BLACK         HAWK 


IN       THE 


NEYT    YORK 

I'u  lilislied       by  Edward  Ke«irn\- 
1 8  4  ft  . 


/o 

.A    tv/  V,» 


MA-KA-TAI-ME-SHE^IA-KIAK; 

OR,  *  t'\     '. 

•  ,  '    t  *  *   •  •  ' 

BLACK    HAWK, 

AND 

SCENES    IN    THE    WEST. 

A   NATIONAL   POEM: 

IN   SIX   CANTOS. 


EMBRACING    AN   ACCOUNT   OF   THE    LIFE   AND    EXPLOITS    OF    THIS   CELEBRJ 
CHIEFTAIN  ;   THE  BLACK  HAWK  WAR  ;   A  LEGEND  OF  THE  ILLINOIS  TRIBX 
OF  INDIANS,  SHOWING  THE  MANNER  IN  WHICH  THEY  BECAME  EX 
TINCT  ;    A  SUCCINCT  DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  WISCONSIN  AND 
LAKE     SUPERIOR     COUNTRIES,    AND     THEIR     RICH 
MINERALS  ;   THE   MASSACRE    OF  CHICAGO, 
AND  OTHER  DEEPLY  INTERESTING 
SCENES   IN   THE   WEST. 


BY  A  WESTERN  TOURIST. 


I  sing  of  love  and  wedlock,  death  and  life, 
Of  pioneers  and  heroes,  peace  and  strife  ; 
Of  countries  new,  and  settlements  begun, 
Of  fortunes  sometimes  lost  and  sometimes  won 
Of  justice,  liberty,  and  equal  right, 
And  paint  to  fancy  scenes  of  rare  delight  ; 
Of  mines  of  silver,  copper,  golden  ore  : 
Proclaim  the  tidings  far  from  shore  to  shore  ! 


NEW   YORK: 

PUBLISHED  BY  EDWARD  KEARNY;  272  PEARL-STREET. 

7848. 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1848 

By  ELBERT  H.  SMITH, 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  Southern  District  of  New  York. 


STEREOTYPED  AND  PRINTED  BY 

GEORGE  W.  WOOD,  29  GOLD-ST.,  NEW  YORK. 


THE  MILWAUKEE  COURIER 


JOHN  A.  BROWN- — EDITOH. 


OFFICIAL     PAPER    OF     THE     CITy. 


ITU  I,  WAUK  EE: 


77ie  HISTORY  OF  BLACK  HAWK,  with  which 
is  interwoven  a  description  of  the.  Black 
Hawk  War,  and  scenes  in  the  West — by 
E.  H.  SMITH. 

The  above  is  the  title  of  a  new  work, 
which  in  a  few  weeks  will  make  its  appear 
ance  befoie  the  public.  The  author  is  a 
gentleman  not  unknown  to  fame;  some  of 
his  minor  poetical  productions,  have  already 
received  the  stamp  of  public  approbation — 
already  he  stands  high — but  his  forthcoming 
work  must  inevitably  place  him  in  the  fore- 
I  rnosi  lank  of  the  literati  of  the  west. 

The  T.  *,  &c.,  is  a  poem  in  thiee 
Canto's— like  Lall:i  Rookh,  it  is  interspers 
ed  with  prosaic  links — or  rather,  we  should 
say  a  portion  of  it  is  not  in  rhyme — for  it  is 
all  poetry— there  is  nothing  prosy.- -in-ttre 
whole  composition 


Wednesday  Horn  in-,  JTnn>ry2S,  IS1O.  I 

— : 


Fcr  sublimity  of  conception,  and  variety 
of  expression  it  stands  unrivalled — the  lan 
guage  in  which  the '"awfully  sublime1'  thril- 
lingly"  "romantic,"  "heart  stirring"  and 
"soul  ravishing,"  &c.  &c.  scenes  are  des 
cribed  ;  is  gorgeous  or  simple,  stern  or  path 
etic,  as  the  occasion  demands;  always  nat 
ural  and  life-like — never  exaggerated,  or 
swelled  into  inflated  pomposity. 

Mr.  Smith  is  a  true  poet ;  hever  has  the 
lyre  of  the  West  been  touched  by  so  skill 
ful  a  hand.— he  calls  forth  every  variety  of 
tone,  fiorn  the  deep  bass  fowl  of  '  Omaint- 
si-ar-nah's  faithful  dog,'  to  the  alto  cry  of 
'joy!  joy!'  of  the  chief  himself  upon  dis 
covering  his  c  faithful  dove,' the  gentle — the 
beautiful,  and  incomparable  Nit-o-mec-ma- 

The  first  Canlo,  particularly,  bears  the 
uneqtaivr-  <f  genius — the  ideal 

creations  are  of  the  most  sublime  and  mag- 
nifirent  order  of  poetic  embodyment — but 
the  descriptions  and  delineations  are  so  ab 
sorbingly  interesting  that  we  can  hardly 
mark  the  unequalled  power  the  poet  dis 
plays — now  scaring  'like  the  proud  bird  of 
the  mountain,'  above  'the  base  contagious 
clouds, 'into  the  pure,  congenial  atmosphere 
of 'the  poet's  native  sky' — and  anon  descend- 
inu  from  his  'pride  of  place,'  with  a  mag 
nificent  swoop,  to  the  stern  realities  of  this 
material  world. 

Thunder  and  lightning  !— clouds  and 
tempests  !  war,  flash  and  lower,  as  lie  sings, 
— ihe  prairies  bloom,  and  the  woodlands 
smile  in  Nature's  loveliness  upon  his  page, 
— Jhe  streamlet's  brawls,  and  the  zephyi's 
whispers  we  can  almost  hear,  and  the  rivers 
roll,  and  the  lakes  expand  before  the  eyes 
of  our  imagination  as  if  by  magic. 

The  most    loudly    lauded  poets  of  these 
i  modern  degenerate  days  have  produced  no- 
y.idi  Tor.  true   inspiration  can  for  a  i 


moment   compare    with    the    -  History    of 
Black  Hawk."     The  author   pre-eminently 
Splays  the  creative  genius,  the  true  poetic 
that    an.mates   everything  on  which   it 
flashes-thai  places  upon   mortal   browg  fl 
crown  of  immortality,    and 

-'Gives  to  airy  nothings 
A  local  habitation  and  a  name  ' 
Never  was  the  literature  of  the  woild  en- 
r.ched  with  such    a  graphic    port.aiture- 
such    a  natural,  unartistical   description   of 
scenes  and   events.     The  character  o/  the 
great  chief,  Black  Hawk,  is  portrayed,  and 
the  manners  rind  customs  of  his  followers 
depicted,  with  m«terlr  piecision,  and  with 
a  felicity  beyond  the  reach  of   art  or  imita, 
tion. 


r  rof  ~?nf«-  !-mcre 

it  am.  industry  may  accomplish  much; 
but  alas  !  how    are  we  to  fly  if    nature  has 
not  been  so  bountiful  as  to  supply  us  win<rs  ? 
The  people  of  the  West— especially  *he 
people  of  W isconsin-and  more  particularly 
the  citizensof  Milwaukee— will  not  be  blind 
to  the  merit  of  our  author.     <  Immortality  is 
the  reward  of  genius,'  and  not  unfrequently 
the  only  reward  ;  let  us  hope,  however  that 
the  poeiic  geniusof  Mr.  Smith  will  be  known 
and  appreciated    by  the  present  generation. 
The  admirer,  Of  genius  will  consider  it  (be 
highest  honor  to    his    cotemporaries,  and  a 
grateful  posterity   will  glory    in    the  pious 
duty    ot   raising  monuments  to   perpetuate 
his  fame. 


THE   DEDICATION. 


To  sill  the  lovers  of  the  arts  of  Poesy  and  the  Belles  Lettrea, 
and  to  all  the  friends  and  patrons  of  American  enterprise  and 
home  industry,  hoping  that  the  same  may  prove  useful  and 
amusing  to  them,  is  this  work  most  respectfully  dedicated, 
By  their  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

THE  AUTHOR. 


'~ 


BLACK   HAWK. 
From  An  Oil  Painting. 


PREFACE. 


DEAR  READER — The  author,  in  presenting  to  you  a 
new  work,  hastily  got  up,  is  aware  that  it  may  have 
many  imperfections,  and  hopes  the  indulgence  of  an 
enlightened  and  generous  public. 

Whether  he  has  done  justice  to  the  renowned  savage, 
the  hero  of  the  work — to  our  noble  governor,  the  great 
partisan  warrior  of  his  day,  and  to  that  gallant  band 
of  pioneers  who  have  contributed  so  much  to  the 
glory  and  prosperity  of  the  West,  the  reader  must  de 
termine. 

The  account  given  of  the  genealogy  of  Black  Hawk, 
a  description  of  the  war  in  which  he  acted  so  con 
spicuous  a  part,  together  with  his  whole  history,  will 
be  found  interesting :  also,  the  various  scenes  in  the 
West,  herein  described,  more  or  less  familiar  to  the 
first  pioneers,  cannot  but  be  perused  with  pleasure  by 
all  who  recollect  them  ;  whilst  their  relation  will  be 
nore  especially  novel,  interesting  and  delightful  to  all 
those  who  never  heard  of  them  before. 

This  comprehensive  treatise  portrays  things  as  they 
were  in  the  early  settlement  of  Wisconsin  and  North 
ern  Illinois,  when  civilization  first  dawned  upon  the 
beautiful  forests  and  prairies,  and  the  cultivation  of 


VI  PREFACE. 

the  luxurious  soil  commenced ;  and  shows  this  coun 
try's  natural  and  abundant  resources.  Its  fruitful 
mines  of  silver,  lead,  and  copper,  where  men  dig  for 
hidden  treasures  in  the  bowels  of  the  earth,  and  be 
come  rich,  together  with  those  of  the  Lake  Superior 
country,  where  now  is  the  rush  of  those  who  wish  to 
make  their  fortunes  ;  the  cheapness  of  the  soil,  which 
produces  so  bountifully  both  the  necessaries  and  luxu 
ries  of  life ;  the  prospect  of  entering  into  profitable 
business  with  a  small  capital,  and  the  chances  for 
speculation  afforded  by  early  and  choice  locations  ; 
the  almost  certain  prospect  of  bettering  one's  condition 
and  circumstances  by  a  change  of  place,  and  of  living 
in  the  enjoyment  of  health,  peace  and  competence  in 
another  clime,  are  just  inducements,  and  are  all  things 
worthy  to  be  inquired  into. 

The  author  might  easily  have  swelled  this  volume 
to  five  times  its  present  size — but  this  would,  in  a  con 
siderable  degree,  have  defeated  his  object ;  which  was, 
to  make  a  useful  work,  comprehending  much  in  little, 
whose  low  price  would  bring  it  within  the  reach  of 
.       every-body ;  to  cast  all  minor  circumstances  which  \ 
'/VS4  would  burden  the  pages  of  future  history  out  of  the    ) 
^  way;  consigning  them  at  once  to  that  oblivion  of\^ 
after-time,  in  which  they  must  of  necessity  be  lost,  j 
and  dwell  only  upon  such   important  things  as  are 
calculated  to  survive  the  present  generation,  and  live 
through  the  dilapidations  of  time.     Such  are,  indeed, 
the  only  legitimate  subjects  of  history. 

To  the  lovers  of  literature,  and  especially  to  the  ad- 


PREFACE.  Vll 


mirers  of  the  art  of  poesy,  it  is  presumed  this  work 
will  afford  great  pleasure  and  delight  ;  while  to  those 
who  are  not  in  the  same  degree  capable  of  perceiving 
and  relishing  its  beauties,  it  cannot  fail  to  be  a  source 
of  information  that  will  abundantly  repay  the  cost. 

The  massacre  of  Chicago  is  a  theme  deeply  inter 
esting.  The  author  has  taken  great  pains  to  inform 
himself  thoroughly  on  this  subject,  and  has  obtained 
his  information  from  living  witnesses  and  periodicals 
of  that  day.  All  the  statements  concerning  this  most 
interesting  narrative,  may,  therefore,  be  relied  on  with 
implicit  confidence.  They  form  important  items  in 
the  history  of  the  country  long  to  be  remembered. 

The  question  may  very  naturally  arise,  why  the  au 
thor  did  not  compose  the  whole  in  rhyme,  as  he  could 
as  easily  have  done.  To  which  he  answers,  that  he  is 
partial  to  blank  verse,  and  originally  intended  to  com 
pose  the  whole  in  this  style ;  but  the  constant  tenden 
cy  to  rhyme  continually  furnished  him,  as  he  went 
along,  with  beautiful  couplets  ;  some  of  which  he  has 
retained  among  the  blank  verse,  considering  blank 
verse  as  the  base. 

At  other  times  he  has  reduced  whole  portions  of  the 
work  entirely  to  rhyme — portions  which  were  at  first 
intended  for  blank  verse — so  that  he  has  now,  in  such 
a  variety  of  styles,  something  that  will  suit  all  tastes 
and  classes  of  readers.  The  author  might  multiply 
reasons  for  the  course  he  has  taken  in  these  respects, 
if  it  wore  deemed  necessary.  He  might  say  that 
Shakespeare  done  so — that  this  is  a  day  of  innovations 


VllI  PREFACE. 


on  the  learning  of  the  past  ;  and  as  it  was  with  the 
Israelites  in  early  times,  so  has  it  become  with  us  now 
—  for  in  those  days  there  was  no  king  in  the  land,  and 
every  man  did  according  to  that  which  seemed  right 
in  his  own  eyes.  t 


'-v^'VWK     •          -     Kitt. 

.A/6**    **  \ 


BLACK  HAWK, 

AND 

SCENES   IN   THE   WEST. 


CANTO    I. 


THE     ARGUMENT. 

The  Invocation.  The  Pioneer  sets  out  on  a  journey  to  the  far  West.  Some 
account  of  his  travels.  The  Mormons.  His  description  of  Rochester, 
Buffalo,  Niagara  Falls,  Cleveland.  The  loss  of  the  Erie,  Detroit.  His 
voyage  to  Copperdom.  Lake  Superior  and  its  mines.  His  voyage  up 
the  Mississippi,  and  across  the  great  Valley,  where  he  falls  in  with  an 
old  resident,  with  whom  he  has  much  conversation  with  regard  to  Black 
Hawk  and  the  War. 


AMERICANS  !  magnanimous  of  soul ! 

With  hearts  as  warm,  as  generous  and  as  free 

As  that  pure  atmosphere  in  which  ye  breathe  ; 

Come,  listen,  while  I  sing  of  one  poor  man, 

The  self-taught  hero,  aboriginal, 

Of  the  Indian  race  his  genealogy — 

Illustrious,  so  deserving  of  renown, 

And  causes  which  impelled  him  to  the  war ; 

His  mighty  deeds,  his  perils,  dangers,  labors, 


1Q     '  '  mACK    HAWK,    AND 


-long  for  his  loved  people's  sake. 
With  'phraseology  -and  lofty  thoughts  sublime, 
Fit  for  the  theme,  may  heavenly  powers  inspire  me  ! 
A  man  untutored,  singularly  devoted 
To  reverence  the  Great  Spirit,  sacrifice 
Life,  and  whatsoever  else  to  him  was  dear, 
To  serve  great  Manitou,  his  kin  and  country, 
Fulfil  a  destiny  prescribed  by  heaven  : 
In  later  days  to  furnish  deeds  of  song, 
Equal  the  Roman,  or  what  Greek  has  done, 
Upon  Columbian  soil,  and  far  away 
From  what  was  once  esteemed  the  classic  ground. 
Yea,  I  repeat,  some  heavenly  power  inspire  me  .' 
With  utterance  meet,  to  sound,  from  first  to  last, 
In  tuneful  numbers,  animated  lays, 
And  give  the  hero  what  of  meed  is  due  ; 
For,  O  !   he  well  deserves  immortal  praise  ! 


n. 


id  th'  Atlantic  beautifully  lies, 
Close  on  the  margin  of  the  great  blue  sea, 
A  pleasant  sea-girt  isle  ;    upon  its  east 
And  on  its  southern  border  ocean  rolls  ; 
While  on  the  north  its  shallow  strait  divides 
From  other  lands,  inhabited  by  men 
Of  manners,  laws,  and  language  similar. 
Far  'mid  the  billows  of  the  briny  sea, 
With  promontory  high  looks  out  Montauk  ; 
Thence  eastward  all  is  boundless  ocean's  realm  ; 
A  city  large  its  western  borders  grasp. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  it 

Across  the  strait  the  London  of  the  west, 

Great  Gotham  lies,  of  everlasting  growth; 

Its  chesnuts,  oaks,  its  pines  and  cedars  tall,  ^ 

The  quaint  luxuriance  of  the  soil  bespeak. 


in. 

The  hidden  regions  of  the  western  world, 

T'  explore,  there  went  from  off  this  isle  a  man, 

Who  many  countries  saw  in  beauty  dressed, 

And  vast  luxuriance,  when  as  yet  were  new. 

About  himself  and  journey  lone  there  was 

Something  peculiar,  as  of  course  must  be  ; 

Since  he  was  neither  driven  out  from  thence, 

By  force  of  circumstances  or  of  need, 

Save  his  own  free  desires  and  ardent  mind, 

To  scenes  romantic,  wild,  thereto  impelling. 

His  habitation  such  as  some  might  envy, 

Sufficient  to  content  most  men,  not  him  ; 

For,  of  a  restless,  roving  mind  possessed, 

Unsatisfied  desire  to  see  and  trace 

The  boundless  country  teeming  far  away, 

He  straight  to  leave  his  home  and  kin  prepared ; 

And,  without  tears,  regret,  or  grief  for  aught, 

His  journey  perilous,  and  lone  began, 

And  as  he  journeyed  up  the  way,  thus  sung : 

Farewell,  blest  island,  sea-girt,  thee  I  leave, 

Thou  handiwork  of  God !  and  all  things  else 

To  thee  pertaining — purling  brooks,  and  shores, 

That  oft  receive  the  dash  of  ocean's  waves, 

Perhaps  to  see  no  more  !     I  love  thee  still, 


BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

And  ever  will  my  heart !  but  why  lament, 

Since  other  climes  attention  too  demand  ? 

He  crossed  the  strait,  and  passing  Gotham  by, 

The  river  of  the  North  ascended  up,X* 

Until  the  mountains  towered  on  either  side ; 

Old  Allegany,  torn  by  Hudson's  flood, 

And  broken  up,  though  rocky  was  his  chain, 

To  give  the  waters  passage  to  the  main. 

The  highland-peaks,  and  tuft-crowned  cities  past, 

He  reached  the  capitolian  town  at  last. 

A 

IV. 

Particulars  of  his  journey  cannot  here, 
As  he  at  first  in  haste  did  take  no  notes. 
Touched  at  young  Troy,  a  rising  Hercules, 
And  saw  the  site  where  good  old  Unien  stands, 
Mohawk  in  all  his  glory  winding  on. 
He  floats  along  in  artificial  moulds, 
And  channels  taught  to  flow  by  will  of  man, 
Unknown  in  ancient  times  ;  through  aqueduct, 
And  tunnels  under  ground  of  passage  dark, 
And  gloomy  sound,  from  solid  rock  torn  out. 
The  central  city  such  attractions  held, 
It  drew  the  hasty  traveller  from  his  way. 
Rome,  Syracuse,  Salina,  Lyons  passed, 
In  quick  succession ;  to  Palmyra  came, 
Where  Mormon  prophet  dug  from  neighboring  hill 
Tlie  golden  plates  of  Mormon's  sacred  book , 
A  book  blasphemous,  all  our  teachers  say, 
Has  let!  its  thousand  harmless  dupes  astray. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  13 


To  give  a  history  of  the  prophet  here, 

And  of  the  new  religion  he  is  founding, 

Far  West,  and  o'er  the  Atlantic  is  resounding ; 

And  of  his  great  success,  and  signal  fall, 

Would  interesting  be,  no  doubt,  to  all. 

This,  what  a  mortal  errorist  can  do, 

Who  claims  to  be  commissioned  from  above, 

Doth  well  elucidate.     It  shows  yet  more  ; 

That  any  man  who  can  succeed  to  impress 

All  credulous  minds  that  he's  in  very  truth 

Inspired  of  God,  such  doctrines  to  divulge  ; 

Although  he  be  a  Christian  but  in  name, 

A  trite  imposto  r  clothed  in  shepherd's  garb, 

Yet  will  he  for  a  time  draw  round  him  friends, 

A  congregation  eager,  followers  too, 

Devoted  to  his  will  in  sacred  things, 

Who  in  misguided  way  do  serve  the  King  of  kings. 


VI. 

The  Mormon  prophet,  we  will  call  him  Joe, 
As  others  do — the  word's  of  easy  flow — 
To  make  the  faith  of  his  adherents  strong,  '     >• 

And  quell  all  doubts  as  he  progressed  along 
For  each  impetus  had  new  revelation, 
Which,  if  believed  entire,  had  won  a  nation. 
His  miracles  he  sometimes  wrought,  'twas  said 
But  if  he  failed,  it  proved  their  faith  was  dead. 
2 


14  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

VII. 

His  followers  multiplied  at  Kirkland's  temple, 
Which  rose  beneath  his  care  a  mighty  dome  ; 
Until  to  western  lands  divinely  called, 
To  raise  a  temple  by  Almighty  hand, 
For  nations  of  the  earth  to  flock  unto, 
Lost  tribes  of  Israel,  Gentile,  wandering  Jew. 
The  temple  rose,  and  so  did  persecution — 
The  people  there,  would  grant  them  no  ablution 
For  crimes  inflicted,  but  did  drive  them  out, 
By  sword,  and  fire,  and  terror,  hate  and  rout. 

VIII. 

At  length  the  Lord  did  call  him  to  Nauvoo, 
The  prophet  said,  to  build  the  temple  there  , 
For  through  much  persecution  they  must  enter 
Into  that  rest  for  every  saint  prepared. 
A  temple  there  was  built,  and  city  too, 
A  city  thronged  and  chartered  by  the  State. 
There,  too,  dissension  rose  among  the  people, 
To  persecute  the  prophet  unto  death  ; 
But  he  long  time  evaded  all  their  wiles, 
Suffered  arrests,  imprisonments  and  scoffs. 
Betrayed  into  the  hands  of  wicked  men, 
He  died  a  martyr  to  the  faith  he  taught. 
Reflects  no  honor  on  his  persecutors — 
A  lawless  band  of  desperadoes  there. 
Then  were  his  people  persecuted  sore, 
In  this  good  land  where  every  mind  is  free 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  16 

To  worship  God  as  well  beseemeth  him ; 

E'en  many  unto  death,  and  forced  to  fly, 

To  North  and  West,  Iowa,  Council  Bluffs ; 

And  leave  their  city  fair  to  beasts  of  prey, 

Or  unto  men  rapacious  more  than  they. 

Compelled  to  wander  in  a  land  of  strangers, 

All  comfortless,  and  outcasts  from  their  home. 

Oh  !   'twas  an  everlasting,  open  shame  ! 

Enough  to  blast  forever  the  fair  fame 

Of  persecutors  and  conniving  powers  ! 

Who  thus  could  sport  with  law,  in  this  fair  land  of  ours ; 

And  suffer  lawless  miscreants  to  usurp 

The  laws  of  State,  and  take  into  their  hands 

The  sword  of  justice,  to  avenge  on  men 

Their  hate,  and  seize  their  substance  for  themselves. 

A  poor  man  for  his  vineyard  Ahab  slew, 

And  met  dire  punishment,  although  a  king. 

To  California's  genial  clime  they've  flown, 

And  what  their  fate  will  be,  and  ruthless  end,  unknown. 

IX. 

Here  having  left,  next  Rochester  he  saw — 

The  city,  and  the  country  scenes  around, 

Well  pleased  the  pioneer.     He  there  abode, 

Till  days  went  by,  which  seemed  not  to  have  passed ; 

And  in  his  daily  converse  on  this  theme, 

He  thus  retorted  on  the  infidel : 


Rochester !     What's  she  more  than  other  places  ? 
Why,  man,  you're  mad  !  for  she,  with  all  her  graces, 


16  BLACK    HAWK, 

Is  far  superior  to  most  other  towns, 

And  this  to  prove  needs  not  the  aid  of  clowni 

What  other  town  can  boast  a  Genesee  ? 

That,  rolling  through  her  midst  so  gracefully, 

And  dancing  on  the  rocks  goes  murmuring  ; 

The  music  of  whose  waters  never  die  ! 

And  boast  such  falls,  except  Niagara's  bound, 

And  such  delightful  scenery  around  ; 

And  ad  infinitum  of  mills  of  flour, 

And  never-ending  great  hydraulic  power  ? 

Such  enterprising  men  to  carry  it  on, 

A  city  beautiful  to  look  upon. 

Here  do  not  all  facilities  combine  ? 

Railroad,  canals,  and  aqueducts  entwine ; 

And  is  not  Eden's  flowery  garden  here  ? 

And  Genesee,  Euphrates'  great  compeer ; 

And  his  rich  valley,  Eden  as  of  old, 

Where,  as  on  Ganges,  diamonds  lie,  and  gold  ; 

Where  choicest  wheat  abounds,  of  value  more, 

And  heaven  in  bounty  lavishes  his  store  ? 

Delightful  city,  with  her  high  built  towers  ! 

Are  not  thy  ladies  fair  as  morning  flowers  ? 

Or  as  Mahomet's  nymphs  in  sacred  bowers 

Of  paradise  ?  while  dome,  and  church  and  steeple, 

Proclaim,  where'er  we  look,  a  pious  people. 

XI. 

Niagara  roars,  and  so  does  Genesee  ! 
Sam  Patch  went  on  his  way  most  merrily, 
Oft  jumping  down  these  falls  from  highest  steep, 
Disdainful  of  the  shortness  of  the  leap. 


SCENES   IN   THE    WEST.  17 

Vt  length  he  built  a  scaffold  'bove  the  falls, 
Shudders  the  mind  when  up  this  scene  it  calls ; 
The  most  adventurous  leaper  of  his  time 
Prepared  to  make  another  more  sublime  : 
The  day  was  fixed,  a  multitude  came  near, 
To  witness  such  a  feat  as  gave  them  fear, 
Far  more  intense  than  that  the  venturer  felt, 
Before  the  throne  of  grace  he  had  not  knelt ; 
As  all  did  think  they'd  done  in  such  a  case, 
And  of  the  great  Deliverer  sought  grace  ; 
And  hazardous  of  body  and  of  soul, 
Submitted  to  the  elements'  control. 
Some  said  he  lost  his  balance  in  the  fall — 
Some  said  that  brandy  <was  the  cause  of  all. 
The  maddening  gulf  sent  up  a  hideous  roar, 
And  opening  wide  its  mouth  him  to  devour, 
Received  him  in  unmeasured  depths  below, 
Closed  over  him  forever,  son  of  wo ! 
His  immortality  on  earth  is  sure, 
Remembrance  of  this  leap  will  e'er  endure 
While  Rochester  upon  this  shore  remains, 
These  falls  to  sound  eternal  nature's  strains ; 
And  roar  from  age  to  age,  and  dash  their  spray 
O'er  those  in  future  as  on  us  to-day. 


XII. 

Time's  march  doth  him  admonish,  and  the  light 
Morn  ushers  in,  is  shrouded  quick  in  night. 
Much  as  he  loved  these  scenes,  he  must  away, 
To  where  the  sun  flings  his  last  evening  ray, 


18  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

O'er  western  lands,  the  earth  in  darkness  shrouds, 
And  tints  with  golden  hues  the  sunny  clouds. 
And  now,  prepared,  his  devious  way  he  takes, 
Westward,  to  the  Queen  city  of  the  lakes, 
In  a  swift  packet  drawn  by  extra  steeds, 
Along  the  water-course  that  thither  leads. 

XIII. 

Arrived,  he  straight  embarked  on  board  a  ship, 
T'  embrace  the  earliest  chance,  a  pleasant  trip, 
Upon  the  placid  lake  in  summer's  day, 
Where  gentle  breezes  cool  the  sultry  ray ; 
Where  bands  that  make  sweet  music  heighten  joy, 
And  pastime  social,  knows  of  no  alloy. 
Returning  soon  unto  the  pleasant  shore, 
A  harbor,  ne'er  so  full  of  ships  before, 
He  saw  wedged  in.     All  peaceful  in  command, 
This  one  and  that  gave  way  ;  he  reached  the  land, 
Walked  up  the  busy,  peaceful  streets,  relieved, 
And  blessed  the  town  that  had  him  safe  received. 

XIV. 

Here  saw  the  great  and  good,  the  young  and  pretty, 
And  other  groups  walk  up  and  down  the  city — 
Beheld  its  beauty,  saw  much  to  admire, 
For  often  met  his  eye  the  sacred  spire, 
And  solemn  temple.     He  was  pleased  to  see 
These  tokens  of  a  people's  piety. 
Sure,  said  he,  'tis  a  great  commercial  city, 
Whether  our  words  be  quaint,  or  grave,  or  witty ; 


SCENES   IN    THE    WEST.  19 

For  I  have  traversed  Main-street  up  and  down, 

East,  west,  enjoyed  the  freedom  of  the  town, 

And  business  !  business  !  nothing  here  moves  slow, 

A  world  of  business'  done  in  Buffalo. 

She  sits  a  queen,  the  city  of  the  lakes, 

Of  others'  doings,  cognizance  she  takes  ; 

And  like  Gibraltar,  all  must  pass  the  strait — 

Pay  tribute,  and  unload,  re. ship  their  freight. 

She's  happy  in  herself,  and  has  no  rival — 

Her  commerce,  one  continual  revival. 


xv. 

He  bade  the  Buffalonians  adieu, 

And  thence  the  far-famed  Falls  went  to  espy, 

And  listen  to  the  great  Niagara's  roar. 

But  ere  he'd  reached  the  place,  his  ears  were  stunned 

With  loud  imperious  cries  of — "Write  !  sir,  write  !" 

As  thinking  his  descriptions  fraught  could  be 

With  rare  amusement ;  fit  to  edify. 

At  such  demands,  imperious  as  to  him 

They  seemed,  did  vex  him,  and  he  would  not  it, 

Nor  do  what  every-body  else  had  done, 

To  write  an  episode  upon  the  Falls. 

Still  he  no  malice  bore,  nor  would  withhold 

What  would  contribute  to  the  good  of  any ; 

And  so,  adventurous,  he  essayed  to  give 

The  first  impressions  of  his  random  brain 

To  public  gaze.     Sure,  thought  he,  nought  sublime 

From  that  one  hurried  glance  can  be  expected  ; 

Designing,  as  he  did,  to  take  one  peep, 


20  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

At  more  convenient  season  come  again, 

To  view  at  length  the  works  of  the  Almighty, 

And  wonders  here  that  all  the  world  attracts. 


XVI. 

The  neighboring  village  gained  by  railroad  cars, 

He  rested  from  fatigues  of  journey  long. 

In  this  woodland  retreat  awhile  reposed, 

Then  crossed  the  foaming  rapids  to  the  isle 

Which  does  this  cataract  in  twain  divide  ; 

Where  found  he  guide-boards  to  direct  his  way 

To  sites  of  prospects,  whence  all  things  to  view, 

Down  to  the  cascade  traced  the  gravel  walk  ; 

O'er  foaming  rapids  crossed  another  bridge 

To  Luna  Isle,  lying  above  the  Falls  ; 

A  prospect  wonderfully  grand  beheld. 

Returning  back  unto  the  former  isle, 

There,  what  his  optics  saw,  he  thus  describes  : — 

Unto  this  island's  farthest  verge  went  down  ; 

I  there  a  bridge  beheld,  from  rock  to  rock, 

Extending  'mong  the  rapids,  'bove  the  Falls  ; 

Which  to  a  high  stone  tower  did  lead,  that  stood 

Midway  between  the  roaring  cataract 

And  on  its  utmost  verge.     Its  winding  stairs 

Ascending  up,  I  looked  into  th'  abyss. 

And  felt  impressions  indescribable, 

Awful  to  witness,  never  fully  told. 

Projecting  o'er  the  Falls  a  bridge  hung  out ; 

Unto  its  outer  verge  I  saw  one  go, 

Look  over,  and  start  back,  as  though  he  felt 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  2l 

It  crack  beneath  him,  loosening  from  the  rock — 

At  which  another  heartily  did  laugh  ; 

And  venturing  on,  as  more  courageous,  felt, 

On  looking  down  the  steep,  a  similar  shock. 

On  that  o'erhanging  form  I,  too,  walked  out ; 

But  first  examined  well  the  bridge,  to  see 

That  it  was  founded  on  the  rock  secure, 

And  that  the  timbers  it  composed  were  sound, 

In  good  repair,  that  nothing  could  give  way. 

XVII. 

St.  Lawrence  is  a  most  tremendous  river, 

Extremely  deep,  and  draining  almost  all 

Those  lakes  and  inland  seas,  with  all  their  streams, 

On  North  America's  great  bosom  lie  ; 

Is  here  a  rocky  precipice  poured  down 

Of  perpendicular  height,  of  vast  descent, 

A  sheet  of  water  full  six  furlongs  wide, 

Forever  flowing  without  variation, 

And  unaffected  by  what  rains  and  storms 

Or  drought  may  come,  as  thus  far  has  been  proved. 

Who  can  conceive  these  waters'  furious  bound  ? 

The  noise  is  heard  for  several  leagues  around. 

The  rising  mists  obscure  the  mid-day  fair, 

And  ever  show  a  beauteous  rainbow  there ! 


XVIII. 

He,  from  the  awful  heights  of  that  lone  tower, 
The  foaming  rapids  round  about  him  there, 


22  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

In  looking  up,  did  see  the  river  foaming 

Far  up,  and  coming  down  with  dreadful  rage, 

With  all  his  congregated  waters  round. 

Him  towering  o'er  the  adamant  he  saw, 

And  dancing  on  the  rocks  with  thundering  sound. 

Unto  the  precipice  he  saw  him  rush, 

And  spread  his  billowy  arms  of  white  across 

The  verge  of  that  high  semi-circular  wall, 

And  give  the  leap  into  the  void  below, 

As  plunging  to  the  central  caves  of  earth — . 

That  mighty  void  scooped  out  by  hand  Almighty 

To  show  his  power — the  wonder-working  God — 

How  far  his  might  exceeds  what  mortals  can. 

Receiving  still  a  thousand  tributaries, 

To  wit :  Ontario,  Ottawas,  and  others, 

He  makes  his  flight  sublime  to  ocean's  realm, 

Where  thirty  leagues  scarce  measures  all  his  breadth, 

The  ground  did  seem  to  tremble  under  him  ; 

While  from  th'  abyss  continual  did  arise 

Thick  mists  such  as  serenest  skies  obscure 

On  fairest  summer's  day.     Suspended  here 

The  token,  beautifully  fair,  is  seen, 

The  bow,  which  in  the  clouds  set  Noah's  God, 

Of  old,  a  witness  to  rebellious  men, 

Earth  by  a  flood  should  be  destroyed  no  more. 


XIX. 

The  brain  that  peeps  o'er  here  will  giddy  prove, 
And  turn  away  for  fear  of  headlong  fall. 
Whate'er  goes  down  will  be  reduced  to  atoms, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST. 

And  fragments  peradventure  never  found. 
The  fate  of  Michigan,  who  has  not  heard  ? 
That  went  sublimely  o'er  with  all  her  load ; 
As  thousands  witnessed  on  that  fatal  day, 
That  bore  her  shattered  remnants  far  away. 
The  Caroline,  ill-fated  source  of  blood, 
How  fired,  and  sent  careering  down  the  flood  ? 


xx. 

The  weary  sun  went  down  unto  his  rest, 
But  with  no  soft  repose  the  cataract  blest. 
Great  Nature,  all  her  charms  of  rare  delight 
Hung  out  in  colors  beautiful  and  bright. ' 
And  as  they  in  succession  died  away, 
To  compensate  for  loss  of  beaming  day, 
Sent  out  the  stars  in  clusters  clear  and  bright, 
To  furnish  all  the  scene  with  heavenly  light. 
And  now  was  Cynthia  full,  the  lunar  bow, 
A  bright  illuminated  arch  did  show  ; 
Suspended  in  the  heavens,  from  side  to  side 
Of  that  thick  mist  that  rose  above  the  tide. 
The  rapids  sparkle  like  the  stars  not  less, 
And  nature  wears  a  charm  of  passing  loveliness. 

XXI. 

What  is  there  great,  or  glorious,  or  sublime, 
That  ye  bring  not  to  mind,  ye  wondrous  Falls  ? 
The  song  of  Homer  in  its  loftiest  strain ; 
Armies  engaged  in  scenes  of  mighty  conflict ; 


i 


24  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 


.     Great  conflagrations  sweeping  o'er  a  city  ; 

From  mountain's  side  the  fall  of  avalanche  ; 
;      The  thunder's  peal,  the  voice  of  Deity ; 

A  thousand  cannon  booming  from  afar, 

A  thousand  standards  waving  o'er  the  war  ; 

The  consummation  of  all  earthly  things, 

Eternity  and  never-ending  time  ; 

Mount  ^Etna  belching  forth  her  liquid  flame  ; 

The  lion's  rage  ;  the  furious  whirlwind's  sweep  ; 

Tornado's  blast  that  sweeps  whole  forests  down ; 

The  raging  sea  in  violent  agitation ; 

Old  Neptune's  watery  kingdom  broken  up  ; 

The  trembling  of  the  earth  from  pole  to  pole  ; 

Earthquakes,  and  each  memorial  of  all  time, 

Ye  shadow  forth  with  all  their  import  dread  ! 

XXII.  • 

Yet  more,  to  others  joyful,  ye  give  birth  ; 
The  reign  of  liberty  throughout  the  earth  ; 
The  great  Millennium's  joyful  ushering  in, 
The  good  Messiah's  reign,  and  end  of  sin  ; 
*      The  day  so  long  desired  with  ardent  prayer, 

Which  prophet,  priest,  and  sage,  still  hope  to  share  ; 
The  threatening  comets  that  through  ether  blaze, 
The  rolling  spheres  revolving  endless  days  ; 
Those  morning  stars  that  sung  in  early  prime, 
Creation's  work  complete,  began  the  march  of  time  ! 

XXIII. 

He  left  the  scene  with  music  in  his  soul, 
To  Buffalo  back  the  iron  chariots  roll ; 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  25 

Then  supped,  and  sweetly  slumbered  there  that  night, 

Till  dawn  had  streaked  the  East  with  radiant  light. 

Embarking  thence  on  board  a  steamer  new, 

Far  in  the  West  his  journey  to  pursue, 

He  cut  the  liquid  way.     But  soon  arose 

A  dangerous  storm,  and  winds  and  waves  oppose. 

The  seamen  labored  hard  ;  but,  danger  nigh, 

A  harbor  sought,  where  Cleveland's  vessels  lie  ; 

And  safely  moored,  the  traveller  went  on  shore, 

The  city  and  its  suburbs  to  explore  ; 

For  thus  far  come,  o'er  many  a  mount  and  stream, 

Things  had  a  Western  look,  as  he  did  deem ; 

And  he  discovered,  much  surprised  to  see 

A  town  built  on  a  hill  so  gracefully. 

XXIV. 

Sure,  said  he,  Cleveland  is  a  handsome  city . 
Not  better  here  described,  it  is  a  pity. 
Fain  would  the  minstrel  furnish  something  better, 
Were't  not  that  he  sustains  a  timely  fetter. 

The  fetter  is,  that  something  must  be  said — 
And  what  is  written,  be  it  good  or  bad, 
Must  find  publicity.     So  let  it  go — 
Happily  it  proves  no  person's  weal  or  wo. 

Cleveland  has  handsome  architectural  domes, 
And  beauteous  people,  at  their  beauteous  homes  ; 
Industrious,  moral,  peaceful,  good  and  wise, 
And  healthful  walls  and  towers  that  proudly  rise. 
3 


26  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Her  public  walks  of  ornamental  trees, 
That  spread  in  rows  their  honors  to  the  breeze, 
Traversed  by  cheerful  ones  ;  her  avenues, 
Where  daily  sentinels  oft  report  profuse  ; 

And  stand  as  watchmen  on  her  lofty  towers, 
With  pen  and  heart,  and  faithful  at  all  hours, 
To  watch  the  foe  political  in  strife, 
And  guard  the  cause  of  liberty  and  life  ; 
To  action  rousing  all  those  dormant  powers, 
Whose  slumbering  on  would  sink  this  land  of  ours. 

XXV. 

And  be  it  to  her  people's  glory  said, 
That  most  devoutly  they  revere  the  dead  ,* 
And  grateful  rear  the  monumental  pile, 
And  bid  the  willows  weep  around  the  while. 

Blest  effort !  worthy  of  a  people  blest ! 
'Twas  here,  he  deemed  he  saw,  laid  down  to  rest, 
The  princes  of  the  earth  ;  inscribed  their  names 
On  the  enduring  marble  ;  what  their  claims 
To  immortality  on  earth  ;  their  race  below, 
The  heavenly  fruits  from  pious  actions  grow. 

When  comes  the  day,  which  I  shall  never  dread, 
Let  me  lie  here  among  the  pious  dead ; 
Or  in  some  other  like,  on  such  a  shore  ! 
O,  this  is  bliss  !  'tis  heaven  to  be  no  more  ! 

XXVI. 

On  Erie  lake,  and  Erie  was  her  name, 

A  splendid  steamer  sunk  beneath  the  flame, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  27 

Surcharged  with  emigrants  from  eastern  clime, 

Thither  had  come  to  seek  a  happy  home. 

For  they  had  heard  of  prairies  in  the  West, 

With  fruitful  soil,  and  genial  climate  blest — 

Freedom  and  comforts  there  to  be  enjoyed, 

Had  almost  reached  the  place,  quite  unannoyed 

By  accident,  their  blissful,  destined  port, 

Well  freighted  with  their  stores  of  every  sort ; 

Were  joyful  on  that  day,  and  talked  of  rest, 

In  that  good  land,  where  they  should  soon  be  blest 

Alas  !  no  goodly  land,  to  them,  shall  e'er  appear ! 

Nor  aught  of  all  was  promised,  they  held  dear  ; 

For,  from  their  heaven,  the  sun  withdrew  his  light, 

Went  down  for  aye,  in  everlasting  night. 

A  cry  of  fire  fell  from  the  deck  below — 

The  horror-stricken  rushed,  the  cause  to  know.  *    ^ 

She  newly  painted  was  ;  the  turpentine, 

That  varnished  her  so  well,  and  made  to  shine,    fajuhfr^A. 

Caused  instantaneous  spread  of  flames  all  o'er,     ^  &  ^^j^ 

Those  cabined  under,  never  came  up  more ! 

While  those  above,  t'  escape  the  fiery  glee, 

Their  choice  preferred  to  risk  the  angry  sea 

From  starboard,  larboard  side,  and  bowsprit's  steep 

Dreadful  alternative  !  plunged  in  the  deep, 

In  consternation  !     Night  was  dark  and  drear, 

Far  from  the  shore,  where  none  to  save  came  near. 

So  perished  all  on  board — two  hundred  souls  ! 

The  careless  sea  forever  o'er  them  rolls — 

Regardless  of  the  weal  of  those  who  come, 

From  distant  lands  to  seek  a  happy  home. 


BLACK    HAWK,    AND 
XXVII. 

Far  on  the  North,  great  Lake  Superior  lies, 

Whose  cloud-capt  towers  salute  the  lofty  skies ; 

From  lofty  grounds,  the  streams  descending  flow, 

In  falls  and  rapids  to  the  deeps  below. 

The  peaky  cliffs  along  its  winding  shore, 

Its  mines  of  copper,  silver,  cover  o'er  ; 

Its  pictured  rocks,  and  walls,  and  caves  marine, 

Ten  thousand  isles  enchanting,  tuffed  with  green, 

Profuse,  upon  its  glassy  waves  excite, 

In  the  beholder,  wonder  and  delight. 

XXVIII. 

And  here  the  traveller  first  of  copper-mines 
Did  hear,  on  Lake  Superior's  southern  coast, 
As  claimed  by  Michigan,  do  chiefly  lie  ; 
And  of  the  numerous  companies  being  formed, 
For  exploration,  in  the  search  of  ore — 
The  dark  recesses  of  the  earth  to  fathom, 
And  lay  its  treasures  open  to  the  day. 
And  with  the  mining  fever  he  was  ta'en, 
And  set  his  face  to  go  to  Copperdom ; 
Anticipation  made  men's  fortunes  sure. 
A  ship  there  bound,  was  ready  to  depart — 
He,  enterprising,  was  the  first  on  board, 
And  soon  was  bounding  o'er  the  Northern  sea, 
Midway  the  lake,  and  ploughing  up  the  deep, 
A  foamy  furrow  made  with  winds  propitious  ; 
Moving  much  faster  o'er  this  field  of  battle, 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST. 

By  steam's  omnipotence  and  canvass  spread, 
Than  Perry  moved  with  all  hi§  martial  force, 
When  he  brought  up  his  tardy  ships  to  action, 
Britannia's  power  curtailed,  and  laid  full  low 
The  champions  powerful  of  a  mighty  king  ; 
And  for  his  country  glorious  victory  won, 
Purchased  immortal  honor  for  himself. 


XXIX. 

Then  changing  course  somewhat,  they  left  the  lake, 
And  sailing  up  a  river,  found  Detroit ; 
An  ancient  city  peopled  long  from  Gaul — 
And  landing  here,  the  spacious  town  surveyed  ; 
Hamtrammack  viewed,  the  rill  that  ran  with  blood. 
Saw  public  buildings,  elegant  and  large — 
Taste,  opulence,  refinement,  pride  of  life, 
And  churches  that  did  wear  a  florid  mien, 
Whose  lofty  spires  did  point  to  hope  and  heaven. 
And  here  is  popular  quite  the  Catholic  faith. 
Five  churches,  large,  receive  on  Sabbath  morn 
The  silent  worshippers  of  him  who  died 
Souls  to  redeem.     The  organ's  pleasing  sound 
Assists  devotion,  flings  its  strains  around. 


XXX. 

Upon  a  river,  bearing  name  the  same, 
Between  the  shallow  lakes,  Erie,  St.  Clair, 
The  pleasant  city  lies,  in  prospect  fair, 
The  capitolian  town  of  Michigan  ; 
3* 


30  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

A  great  commercial  mart  is  fast  becoming. 
Its  history  is  the  history  of  the  State, 
As  you'll  perceive,  by  what  I  here  relate. 
Rectangular  is  its  form,  its  streets  are  wide, 
And  in  its  centre  terminate  four  roads 
To  wit :  Chicago,  Saginaw,  Grand  River, 
Fort  Gratiot,  to  Lake  Huron's  outlet  leading. 
Transition  from  a  spring  prolonged  and  wet, 
To  summer's  heat,  is  sudden.     Vegetation 
Springs  instantaneous — is  of  rapid  growth. 
A  climate  healthful,  a  salubrious  air — 
A  pleasant  summer,  autumn  mild  and  fair  ; 
A  winter  cold  and  steady — not  much  snow, 
As  on  St.  Lawrence  lies,  far  down  below. 

XXXI. 

Three  sovereign  kings  have  swayed  their  sceptres  o'er  it, 

Has  changed  five  times  the  flag  of  its  allegiance  : 

Once  burned  to  ashes,  captured  twice  in  war — 

To  landing  of  the  Pilgrims  it  dates  back  : 

Was  then  a  stopping-place  for  Courriers  du  Bois. 

Fort  Gratiot,  Sault  St.  Marie  then  existed, 

Held  by  a  chain  efforts  this  region  round, 

Were  once  dominion  of  the  king  of  Gaul. 

When  victory  crowned  the  arms  o'  immortal  Wolfe, 

Then  fell  Quebec,  and  all  those  outer  posts, 

To  Britain's  king,  and  served  as  rallying-points 

To  numerous  hordes  of  savages,  that  hung 

Like  Death's  broad  scythe  upon  our  new  frontiers, 

The  cause  of  woes  unnumbered,  boding  fears. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  31 

XXXII. 

Now  Michigan  doth  claim  the  copper-mines, 

On  Lake  Superior's  southern  side  do  lie. 

But  why  is  this?  says  one,  I  wish  to  know, 

Since  lakes  surround  the  great  peninsula, 

And  other  boundaries  quite  unnatural  seem, 

Enclosing  regions  far  removed  from  hence. 

I'll  tell  you,  since  you  curious  seem  to  know  ; 

'Twill  interest  you,  should  you  not  admire. 

There  was  a  time  when  Michigan  was  young — 

Her  boundary  undefined,  a  strife  begun. 

A  strip,  including  Maumee's  turbid  stream, 

Ohio  claimed.     Hence  the  Toledo  war ! 

And  armies  rushed  to  battle  on  each  side ; 

Nor  would  the  weak  unto  the  stronger  yield, 

Resolved  to  try  the  fortune  of  the  field. 

Nor  was  it  known  to  what  these  things  would  grow. 

Our  President,  and  Congress  at  his  side, 

Gave  to  Ohio  what  of  land  she  claimed  ; 

For  Michigan  was  yet  a  territory, 

Whose  governor  Congress  could  appoint  at  will ; 

The  acting  governor,  therefore,  was  removed, 

Another  in  his  stead  appointed  they. 

The  Michiganians,  further  to  appease, 

To  them  gave  they  that  territory  wide, 

Extending  on  Superior's  southern  side, 

And  bounded  by  Wisconsin  south  and  west, 

And  thus  forever  lulled  the  feud  to  rest. 

What  heart-felt  joy  do  peaceful  tidings  bring ! 

That  settled  so,  it  was  a  happy  thing  ; 


32  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

The  wisdom    of  our  councils  well  displays, 
With  pleasure  will  be  viewed  in  future  days. 


XXXIII. 

Here  things  of  interest  vast  have  oft  transpired  : 
Here  'twas,  that  daring  warrior,  Pontiac, 
Conceived,  matured  a  plan  to  drive  all  men 
Of  English  blood  beyond  the  Alleghanies. 
In  the  recesses  of  his  gloomy  mind 
He  formed  his  plans  of  death,  brief  in  detail, 
As  they  were  terrible  in  execution. 
Nor  was  it  more  or  less  than  to  attack 
Thirteen  well-garrisoned  forts  at  one  set  hour  — 
Forts  stretching  up  St.  Lawrence  through  the  lakes, 
Down  the  Ohio,  Wabash,  Mississippi ; 
Niagara  and  Du  Quesne,  among  the  number. 
So  secret  were  his  plans,  so  prompt  was  he, 
In  executing  all  he  had  resolved, 
Ten  of  these  forts  fell  in  one  single  day, 
And  all  their  inmates  poured  out  life  in  blood— 
For  Pontiac  was  faithful  to  the  French, 
Desired  no  change  of  masters.     He  believed 
The  Gaul  his  friend — the  English  enemies. 
Said  he,  when  Frenchmen  came,  they  came  and  kissed  us— • 
They  called  us  children,  and  we  found  them  fathers ; 
We  lived  like  children  with  them  in  the  lodge. 
'Twas  never  so  with  English — when  they  came, 
And  took  our  country,  conquering  Quebec, 
Our  numerous  tribes  were  all  dissatisfied. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  33 

XXXIV. 

Pontiac  was  one  of  those  heroic  men 

Who  stamp  their  characters  upon  the  age  : 

An  air  of  princely  grandeur  putting  on, 

Was  by  his  subjects  honored  and  revered. 

Hence,  when  the  British  ofFcers  first  arrived 

To  take  possession  of  Detroit,  they  met 

Messages  from  Pontiac,  them  to  inform, 

That  peaceably  was  coming  Pontiac  ; 

Desiring  them  to  halt  and  hear  his  words. 

His  messengers  were  furthermore  instructed 

T'  inform  the  English  he  was  Pontiac, 

The  king  and  lord  o'  the  country  they  were  in 

He  met  them,  and  demanded  what  their  business 

T'  intrude  on  his  dominions  thus — what  right ; 

And  how  they  dared  come  here  without  his  leave. 

He  thought  and  felt  as  Philip  ere  had  done  ; 

Danger  to  his  dominions  apprehending  ; 

The  welfare  of  the  Indian  tribes  at  stake. 

The  English'  great  ambition,  and  their  arms, 

And  eagerness  all  countries  to  possess, 

He  looked  upon  as  with  a  jealous  eye, 

Whose  conduct  much  suspicion  had  created. 

The  French  had  always  kindly  treated  Indians  ; 

But  Englishmen  had  done  them  great  injustice  ; 

So,  also,  to  King  Louis,  their  French  father, 

To  whom  he  faithful  proved,  which  does  him  honor 

Pontiac,  therefore,  stood  up,  harangued  the 

Exhorting  them  to  take  no  English  bribes. 

The  story  of  their  wrongs  at  length  portrayed ; 


34  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

He  also  dreamed  dreams,  and  gave  rewards. 

At  length  his  own  commanding  eloquence 

Secured  entire  co-operation  through 

The  lengthening  lines  of  English  foes'  frontier. 

A  portion  of  the  speech  of  Pontiac 

We  here  will  give,  a  sample  for  the  rest. 

On  long  record  'tis  fit  the  speech  should  stand, 

Memorial  of  the  past.     He  thus  began  : 

Englishmen  !  'tis  to  you  that  I  do  speak, 

And  I  demand  attention,  Englishmen  ! 

You  know  the  king  of  France  our  father  is — 

He  promised  to  be  such,  and  so  we  found  him ; 

We  promised,  in  return,  to  be  his  children. 

This  promise  we  have  kept,  and  mean  to  keep. 

'Tis  you  that  have  made  war,  with  this  our  father— 

You  are  his  enemy.     How  have  you,  then, 

Boldness  to  venture  thus  among  his  children  ? 

Now,  Englishmen !  we  are  informed  the  king 

Of  France  is  old,  and  has  become  infirm — 

Fatigued  with  wars  against  his  nation  waged, 

Has  fallen  asleep  ;  and  during  interval, 

You've  ta'en  advantage  of  his  lying  down, 

To  seize  on  his  possessions — Canada. 

But  now  his  nap  is  almost  at  an  end  ; 

I  think  I  hear  him  stirring  up  himself, 

And  asking  how  his  children  fare — the  Indiana. 

When  he  awakes,  what  will  become  of  you, 

And  your  possessions  ?     He  will  you  destroy ! 

Now  Pontiac,  upon  the  eve  of  war, 

As  other  kings  and  emperors  erst  have  done, 

Made  money,  bills  of  credit,  to  defray 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  35 

The  war's  expense,  which  his  invention  proves. 
Each  bore  an  otter's  form,  impressed  on  back, 
The  article  he  promised  in  exchange  ; 
And  under  it  his  arms.     These  bills  of  credit, 
The  first  in  Michigan,  though  strange  to  tell, 
Were  punctually  redeemed.     Glad  might  we  be, 
Could  we  with  equal  truth  affirm  the  same, 
Concerning  some  since  issued,  that  did  bear 
A  wild-cat's  impress — not  on  bark,  but  paper  ; 
Shin-plasters,  good  for  nought  but  burning  taper.  ^^^~ 


The  British  posts  on  Michigan  to  seize, 

Lake  Erie,  Huron,  Presque  Isle,  and  Lc  Boeuf, 

Venango,  Pittsburgh,  others,  and  destroy, 

By  well-concerted  action,  in  one  day, 

The  troops,  as  we  have  said,  embraced  his  scheme. 

He  next  would  take  possession  of  the  country, 

The  coming  in  of  British  troops  prevent  ; 

In  their  defence  unite  the  Western  tribes. 

His  preparations  being  at  length  completed, 

Quite  early  in  the  pleasant  month  of  May, 

On  all,  from  Fort  Niagara  to  Green  Bay, 

There  fell  the  stroke  of  death  in  one  concerted  hoin 

Niagara,  Pittsburgh,  and  Detroit  except. 

Viewed  as  the  most  important  post,  Detroit, 

By  Pontiac  in  person,  was  assailed  ; 

But,  by  an  act  most  fortunate,  it  failed. 

For  in  Detroit  had  Pontiac  a  friend 

He  wished  to  save  ;  and,  to  accomplish  this, 


36  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Revealed  too  much.     On  the  appointed  day, 

He  went  to  the  city  gate,  requesting  audience. 

His  plan  was  this,  and  it  was  well  conceived 

He  was  to  meet  the  British  chief  in  council, 

Harangue  him  there,  on  national  affairs ; 

And  when,  with  voice  vociferous  and  loud, 

To  give  a  belt  of  wampum  he  essayed, 

The  signal  of  attack,  then  those  with  him 

Should  strike  the  council  down,  then  ope'  the  gates, 

And  let  their  warriors  in  ;  and  thus  the  power 

Of  Britain's  king  and  host  annihilate. 

But  this  instead,  their  troops  were  well  prepared. 

Before  the  well-concerted  signal  came, 

To  leave  of  all  their  friends  nought  but  the  name, 

The  drums  did  beat  to  arms — the  off'cers  drew 

Their  glittering  swords — the  guards  their  pieces  levelled. 

He  who  had  fought  in  many  battles  brave, 

And  led  his  legions  oft  to  victory, 

His  plans  revealed  beheld,  and  felt  chagrin. 

Soon  came  the  tidings  o'er  the  mighty  deep, 

The  English  king  had  yielded  peace  to  Gaul. 

Despatched  three  thousand  soldiers  to  Detroit, 

Pontiac  to  overcome,  and  save  the  place. 

A  general  peace  succeeds  ;  no  pleasant  gales 

The  sound  of  carnage  waft  throughout  our  vales. 

XXXVI. 

*  'V 

Pontiac,  distrustful  of  the  English  still, 
Exasperate,  all  intercourse  declined — 
His  seat  abandoned,  went  to  Illinois. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  37 

Here,  for  some  cause  we've  never  heard  explained, 

By  hand  of  a  Peorian  he  died. 

The  Indians  cherished  too  much  native  pride 

To  let  his  death  go  unrevenged  for  aye. 

Viewing  as  public  loss  to  all  the  tribes 

His  death,  a  national  calamity  of  note, 

Considering  its  atonement  sacred  duty, 

The  Pottawatamies,  the  Chippeways, 

And  Ottawas,  together  rose  as  one, 

Against  Peoria  Indians,  to  the  war. 

To  their  assistance,  prompt,  Peorians  drew 

Two  other  tribes,  Kaskaskias  and  Cahokies 

Who  almost  underwent  extermination, 

Before  this  fatal  war  was  brought  to  close. 

Such  the  respect  his  talents  had  inspired, 

And  services  unto  his  people  done. 

Live  on,  O  mighty  prince  of  Ottawa! 

Live  in  thy  people's  hearts,  while  they  remain — 

Until  they  fall,  and  dwindle  out  of  sight! 

Thy  memory,  chief!  thy  country  has  embalmed! 

They  call  their  children  for  thee,  Pontiac ! 

XXXVII. 

Yet  more  the  scenes  that  appertain,  we  tell ; 
For  here  Tecumseh  rose,  and  reigned — and  fell ! 
This  name,  magnanimous — we  feel  its  power  ; 
A  sudden  glow  of  admiration  thrilling 
Quick  through  our  hearts.     He  that  participated 
In  all  the  wars,  from  Harmer's  sad  defeat, 
To  Thamcs's  victbry — where  his  spirit  fled — 
4 


38  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Through  life,  who  left  no  stain  upon  his  honor ; 

Proctor,  at  Raisin,  sharply  did  rebuke, 

For  cruelties  unto  our  people  done. 

When  Proctor  sought  to  make  him  British  general, 

And  gave  him  a  commission  thus  empowered, 

He  threw  the  voucher  back  with  marked  contempt, 

Declaring  that  to  them  he  was  allied 

For  his  country's  good,  and  sought  for  nothing  more. 

As  did  Napoleon,  in  his  palmiest  days, 

O'er  the  light  hearts  of  Frenchmen  exercise 

A  sway  unlimited,  so  did  this  man, 

Like  to  that  mighty  warrior,  bear  a  sway — 

A  power  unlimited  o'er  the  savage  tribes ; 

His  impress  stamping  on  the  age  he  lived. 

O !   had  he  fallen  but  on  our  free-born  soil, 

Enemy  as  he  was,  the  spot  would  been 

Considered  sacred — marked  by  marble  tomb, 

The  place  where  great  Tecumseh  fought  and  died ! 

XXXVIII. 

The  pioneer  would  here  protract  his  stay, 

Glad  from  his  journey  suffer  more  delav, 

To  view  more  of  this  pleasant  town  arid  State, 

With  all  the  things  that  unto  it  relate — 

More  of  its  history,  legends,  scenery  learn. 

Nought  but  the  hope  he  should  again  return, 

Consoled  him  to  consent  to  leave  the  ground, 

Where  sacred  reminiscences  abound. 

But  now  he  must  be  gone  ;  the  winds  invite-  — 

The  vessel  floats,  and  spreads  her  canvass  white ; 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  39 

Begins  to  plough  the  foamy  billows  wide, 

And,  upward  bound,  to  stem  the  current's  tide  ; 

The  river  threads,  emerging  to  St.  Clair, 

Whose  shallow  flats  are  soil — her  keel,  the  share. 

Then  up  this  lake,  through  river  of  this  name, 

Lake  Huron  enters,  like  the  rolling  main. 

Then,  sailing  through  midway,  at  length  they  view 

The  straits  of  Mackina,  and  harbor  too. 

They  reach  the  peaceful  land,  their  vessel  moor, 

Proud  of  their  country's  flag,  they  go  on  shore. 

Here  France  and  England,  once,  by  turns,  bore  sway, 

And  urge  us  to  relate  what  passed  another  day. 

xxxix 

The  isle  of  Mackina  stands  in  the  straits, 
Romantic,  beautiful,  in  all  its  traits. 
A  lofty  fort  is  there,  and  garrisoned 
By  our  own  countrymen  ;  and  high  abovo, 
The  starry-spangled  banner  waves  o'er  all. 
The  town  looks  ancient  and  dilapidated  ; 
The  houses  low,  and  small,  and  much  decayed. 
Here  Indians  come  to  trade,  and  bring  their  furs. 
Large  quantities  of  trout  here,  too,  are  caught, 
And  white-fish,  both  of  high  delicious  flavor, 
And  fowls,  that  can't  be  bartered  for  a  better. 
The  traveller  wanders  'long  the  pleasant  lake, 
Pure  is  the  air,  and  bright  the  beaming  sun ; 
His  brow  is  fanned  by  breezes  wild  and  soft — 
On  pearly  sands  the  wave  in  music  dies. 
The  Indian's  upturned  bark  is  on  the  shore, 


40  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

And  he  is  basking  in  some  sunny  place. 

The  dream  of  what  he's  lost,  disturbs  his  slumbers, 

While  he  looks  on.the  land  that  once  was  his. 

For  he  remembers  when,  with  freedom,  he 

Danced  o'er  the  waves  ;  and  when  the  altars  stood, 

Raised  by  his  father's  hands,  their  gods  of  yore 

To  worship ;  and  the  mounds  where  they  were  laid. 

Three  sovereign  kings  have  swayed  their  sceptres  here, 

The  spot  still  teeming  with  their  heroes'  blood. 

The  Britain,  son  of  Gaul,  the  red  man's  bones, 

Together  mingle  in  their  mouldering  cells. 

Laid  down  in  peace,  no  feuds  can  there  arise 

To  cloud  the  atmosphere  of  better  skies  ; 

They  dwell  in  quiet,  in  one  common  lot, 

Their  envy,  and  the  cause  of  strife  forgot. 


XL. 

From  red  men  unto  Gallia,  passed  this  isle 

Britain  from  Gallia  took  it ;  next  it  fell 

By  Pontiac  ;  and  next  was  it  transferred 

To  us,  when  war  of  independence  closed. 

In  the  last  war  by  Britain  captured  was, 

In  after-peace  again  to  us  restored.  . 

The  following  is  the  stratagem  pursued 

By  red  men,  in  the  war  of  Pontiac, 

From  bold  Britannia's  power,  the  place  to  wrest : 

For  a  game  of  ball  prepared  the  Ottawas ; 

Invited  to  it  all  the  British  off'cers. 

Now,  while  the  Indians  played,  one  of  their  number 

Ran  towards  the  fort,  the  others  after  him. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  4l 

The  ball  that  way  was  thrown,  and  once  or  twice 

Over  the  pickets,  quite  within  the  fort. 

The  ofF'cers  were  well  pleased  to  see  the  sport, 

And,  unsuspecting,  let  the  players  go 

Into  the  fort,  and  bring  the  ball  from  thence. 

The  garrison,  as  spectators,  stood  around, 

And  those  on  duty,  present,  off  their  guard. 

Again  into  the  fort  was  thrown  the  ball, 

The  Indians,  after  it,  did  all  rush  in. 

The  rest  is  quickly  told  ;  the  soldiers  slain, 

The  fort  demolish — left  a  heap  of  ruins. 


XLI. 

Bent  on  his  voyage,  th'  adventurous  pioneer, 
In  steamer  for  St.  Marie's,  did  embark. 
This  way,  for  diverse  scenery,  beautiful 
And  bold,  sublimely  doth  transcend  all  others 
For  tourist,  in  midsummer's  pleasant  voyage. 
For  in  his  path  ten  thousand  islands  lie, 
Whose  beauty  is  proverbial.     These  among, 
The  steamer  winds  her  devious  way  ;  of  shapes 
And  sizes  various,  arid  about  whose  shores 
The  clear  blue  waters  are  of  wondrous  depth. 
Some  large,  with  sugar  maple  forest  crowned  ; 
Some  small,  composed  of  rock.     What  trees  do  grow 
On  these,  spring  from  the  seams  of  creviced  rocks. 
Some  bear  upon  their  brow  the  silver  fir, 
The  stinted  pine  and  cedar,  thronged  with  birds 
Of  sweetest  song;  while  others,  merely  rocks, 
Hij?h,  naked,  and  stupendous,  perpendicular ; 
4* 


42  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Their  area  from  the  bottom  seem  to  hold, 

Like  pyramids  of  Egypt,  Grecian  towers, 

And  show  a  freak  of  nature  once  was  here, 

That  broke  them  off  from  other  lands,  perchance. 

The  islands  thicken  still,  as  he  proceeds — 

No  inexperienced  pilot  need  come  here  ; 

For  he  would  never  find  his  way  out  more, 

Or  extricate  his  vessel.     Caverns  deep, 

In  island  rocks,  oft  show  themselves,  and  some 

Spread  out  green,  grassy  meadows,  where  no  fawn, 

Or  other  creature,  crops  the  verdant  lawn. 

Upon  the  island  shores  and  points  projecting, 

The  Indian's  wigwam  is  discovered  oft. 

Children  of  nature  !  ply  your  labors  here 

Procuring  fish,  almost  your  only  food ; 

In  primitive  state  content,  and  ever  free 

From  cares,  restraints,  and  pride  of  civil  life. 

To  fashion's  frown  you're  not  amenable, 

That  like  a  tyrant  governs  and  enslaves  ! 

XLII. 

St.  Marie's  reached — the  rapids  here  obstruct, 
Oblige  to  cross  the  portage,  shun  the  falls. 
Fort  Brady  shows  itself — its  standards  wave 
O'er  that  great  sea,  whose  waters  do  it  lave. 
Nations  and  native  tribes  do  here  resort ; 
Upon  these  rapids  catch  unnumbered  fish. 
Here,  too,  an  Indian  reservation  lies — 
A  town  of  fifty  houses  here  is  built ; 
Two  hundred  souls,  of  different  nations,  tongues, 
Repose  within — while  Indians  lodge  without, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  43 

In  meaner  dwellings,  of  their  own  construction. 

Here  is  in  view  a  missionary  school ; 

Likewise,  fur  companies  have  their  stations  here — 

Post-office,  house  of  customs,  Indian  agents. 

Out  of  the  world,  not  quite,  but  nearly  so, 

The  traveller  thought,  but  still  would  further  go. 

XLIII. 

Intending  thence  to  coast  the  lake  along, 
Exploring,  he  engaged  a  bark  canoe — 
A  voyager,  too,  who  understood  the  coast, 
And  well  the  management  of  such  a  craft, 
Doth  oft  the  heavenly  canopy  survey, 
For  indications  of  approaching  storms  ; 
A  book,  by  him  long  studied,  and  familiar. 
Blankets,  a  tent,  provisions  for  the  way, 
And  each  utensil  needful,  he  laid  in, 
Before  he  started  on  that  voyage  of  hope. 
Also  his  dress  a  change  did  undergo, 
For  one,  for  such  a  voyage,  was  more  befitting 
A  pair  of  boots,  thick  soled,  a  coat  of  canvass, 
Reaching  low  down  ;  and  pantaloon  same  cloth, 
Supported  round  the  waist  with  leather  belts, 
In  which  to  carry  hatchet,  knife  and  pouch. 
Tarpaulin  hat,'  wide  brim,  and  low,  round  crown, 
As  best  to  turn  thick  brush,  and  what  rains  down. 
A  pocket  compass,  pipe,  chart,  and,  in  fine, 
A  gun,  and  ammunition,  fish-hooks,  and  a  line. 

XLIV. 

^Ie  embarks,  and  gains  that  day  Point  Iroquois  ;  s 
A  name  significant  of  great  event — 


44  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

For  here  the  Iroquois  encamped  and  slept, 

Bent  on  death's  errand  to  the  Chippeways. 

The  Chippeways,  aware  of  their  intent, 

When  night  had  flung  her  sombre  shadows  down, 

Came  with  an  army  from  the  other  shore : 

An  omen  good,  their  prophets  had  declared  ; 

Fell  on  them  by  surprise,  a  rainy  night, 

Their  bones  in  heaps  lie  bleaching  on  this  height. 

XLV. 

In  journeying  thence  along  a  pleasant  coast, 

He  passed  two  rivers,  sand-banks  breaking  through. 

The  weather  fair,  serene  the  sky,  and  bright, 

A  gentle  breeze  that  raised  no  billowy  hills 

Upon  the  surface  of  St.  Marie's  flood ; 

Reached  White-Fish  Point,  and  saw  the  opening  lake, 

Far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  interminable. 

Its  southern  side  to  coast  is  his  intent. 

The  coast  runs  west  and  southwest ;  sand-hills  rear 

Aloft  their  steepy  sides  for  many  a  mile. 

Passed  two  more  rivers  that  had  found  their  way 

Quite  to  the  coast,  by  sand-hills  breaking  through 

Of  wondrous  steepness,  came  to  Hurricane — 

A  bay  with  sandy  shores  :  a  harbor  made. 

Thence  coasting  west,  fell  in  with  pictured  rocks 

Extending  many  miles.     The  height  thereof 

Three  hundred  feet  of  perpendicular  wall, 

Colored  with  various  bright  and  beauteous  tints. 

A  sight  more  picturesque  is  seldom  seen  ; 

The  waters  at  their  base  are  emerald  green, 

And  vastly  deep,  where  vessels  float  beside. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WIST.  45 

Of  half  a  mile  successive  curves  appear, 
Like  painted  walls  of  amphitheatre, 
Approaching  semi -circle  all  the  way, 
Save  interruption  by  a  gentle  rill, 
Or  cascade  from  the  summit  leaping  down. 
Who  looks  up  here,  from  shallow  boat  beneath, 
Will  dread  the  sight,  and  fear  the  mountain's  fall. 
Here,  beautifully  formed,  do  show  themselves, 
Caves,  domes,  rotundos,  with  their  arched  doors. 
He  entered  one  of  these  which  widens  out, 
Extending  almost  to  the  height  its  hollow. 
The  Doric  Rock,  the  Pulpit,  De  Partaille, 
Of  scenery  grand,  and  beauty  unsurpassed — 
All  these  he  viewed  with  wonder  and  delight ; 
And  looking  upward  to  the  topmost  height, 
A  growth  of  evergreens  and  silver  fir  beheld. 

XLVI. 

Then  sailing  thence,  Grand  Island  next  he  saw, 

Famed  for  its  safe  commodious  harbor,  where 

Access  is  easy  ;  locked  up  in  its  nook, 

To  tempests,  winds,  and  storms,  defiance  bid. 

The  isle  is  fertile.     Here  resides  a  man 

With  all  his  household,  here  to  dwell  well  pleased. 

Embarking  thence,  along  a  winding  coast, 

Indented  much  with  bays,  some  large,  some  small, 

Some  rivulet  oft  tumbling  down  the  wall, 

Or  intersecting  deep  the  towering  banks, 

With  verdure  crowned,  where  grows  the  silver  firf 

The  cedar  tall,  and  pine  of  stinted  growth ; 


46  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Where  river  Laughing-Fish,  and  Chocolate  stream, 

Our  wild  adventurer's  prompt  attention  drew — 

Chiefly  the  Chocolate,  so  named  from  its  hue, 

And  color  of  its  waters,  this  resembling. 

At  distance  from  the  lake,  a  mountain  rises, 

And  lengthening  far,  doth  form  a  separation 

Between  the  streams  which  flow  to  north  and  south. 

The  northern  streams  Superior's  waters  feed, 

The  southern  swell  Green  Bay  or  Mississippi. 

Here,  on  this  mountain's  northern  side,  there  lies 

A  lake  from  which  this  river  takes  its  rise, 

And  winds  along  a  level  plain  one  side, 

But  bounded  on  the  west  by  rocky  hills — 

Commencement  of  the  mineral  region,  shows 

The  eastern  bounds  thereof.     Good  is  the  soil 

Along  the  river's  rich  luxuriant  vale  ; 

The  sugar-maple,  ash,  and  towering  oak, 

White  bass-wood,  stately  pines,  and  walnuts  grow. 

And  here  begin  the  trapian  range  of  hills, 

Still  rising  up  above  the  sandstone  strata ; 

Thence  running  west,  the  mineral  region  through. 

Thence  coasting  west,  he  passed  the  mouths  of  rivers, 

Pouring  their  silvery  contents  in  the  lake, 

And  several  islands,  small,  but  beautiful, 

Until  to  Huron's  ampler  stream  he  came, 

That  has  its  source  with  great  Menominee, 

Which  runs  a  southern  course,  and  swells  Green  Bay ; 

And  with  Ontonagon's  more  northern  river, 

Poured  from  a  ridge  of  mountain  elevation  ; 

The  haunts  where  game  abounds  meandering  through  ; 

And  where  the  lordly  Indian  makes  his  hunt — 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  47 

A  country  rich  in  soil  and  forest-trees. 

Next  Huron  Isles,  and  Huron  Mountains  came, 

And  Point  Abbaya,  of  important  name. 

Thence,  crossing  Keweenaw,  at  length  they  reach 

Great  Manitou,  or  Spirit  Island  called ; 

Once  by  the  natives  was  supposed  to  be 

The  residence  special  of  the  Deity. 

XLVII. 

Methinks  I  hear  th'  impatient  reader  sigh  , 
In  what  rich  region  doth  th'  mineral  lie  ? 
The  primary  rocks  are  granite,  and  extend 
From  little  Presque  Isle's  rocky  point,  thence  west. 
These  flanking  on  the  northwest,  and  the  north, 
Are  trapian  rocks,  a  series  of  high  hills- 
Ranges  extending  far  along  the  coast, 
From  Keweenaw,  quite  to  Ontonagon  ; 
Where,  with  Mount  Porcupine,  they  are  confounded. 
Yet  they  continue  westward  'long  the  coast, 
Embracing  all  the  southern  side  the  lake, 
And  isles  thereof,  Isle  Royal  and  Lapoint. 
In  these  the  choicest  minerals  do  abound ; 
And  riches  are  concealed  beneath  the  ground, 
In  all  the  seams  and  crevices  of  the  rocks, 
As  though  volcanic  fires  had  split  them  ope', 
In  all  this  region,  by  a  great  uplift, 
And  poured  the  melted  mineral  in  their  seams  ; 
Here  signs  of  great  disturbance  nature  showing. 
Quartz,  amethystine,  common,  radiated, 
Cornelian,  chalcedony,  amianthus, 


48  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Jasper,  calcareous  spar,  and  copper,  native  ; 

Black,  pyritous,  with  all  its  carbonates ; 

Ferruginous,  lead,  iron,  manganese, 

And  native  silver,  safely  stored  away. 

Conglomerate  rock,  the  mixed,  and  sandstone  red, 

Contain  like  minerals,  with  silicious  zinc. 

The  mineral  veins  these  rocks  traversing  through, 

And  what  relation  they  to  each  do  bear, 

Require  attention,  to  distinguish  well — 

The  choicest  from  the  spurious  kind  to  judge. 

Those  which  the  laky  shore  do  intersect, 

Are  found  in  sheets,  and  covered  with  white  spar, 

Reaching  into  the  lake  some  distance  out, 

Where  rocks  which  weigh  a  half  ton  are  cut  off, 

Of  native  copper ;  which,  in  boulders,  there 

Disseminated,  on  the  coast  appears. 

In  one  such  vein,  or  trunky  sheet  as  this, 

To  wit :  the  Pittsburgh  and  Bostonian  mine, 

A  thousand  tons  of  copper  may  be  seen 

At  single  view.     But  how  to  raise  such  masses, 

Detach  them  from  their  beds  of  solid  metal, 

The  trouble  is,  requiring  art  and  time. 

But  what  can't  persevering  Yankees  do? 

E'en  now,  at  Copper  Falls,  a  solid  rock, 

Of  fifteen  tons,  has  been  cut  out  and  raised, 

Much  be  their  enterprise  and  labor  praised. 

Sometimes  the  copper,  sometimes  silver,  native, 

In  equal  quantities,  attached,  are  found  ; 

Silver  in  globules  in  one  copper  rock, 

Has  been  assayed,  and  found  of  value  more, 

In  this  good  land  of  mountain,  fire,  and  flood — 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST. 

Where  summer's  farther  up  the  arch  of  nignt, 
And  social  bliss  is  absent  much  from  men. 

XLVIII. 

Off  Copper  Harbor,  where  Fort  Wilkins  stands, 

At  length  appeared  the  weary  voyager's  bark. 

First  easy  of  access,  by  sailing  south, 

The  entrance  wide  and  straight,  and  water  deep. 

Upon  the  eastern  side  the  mainland  lies — 

On  west,  Isle  Porter  shows  a  rocky  front. 

When  got  within,  to  westward  change  their  course, 

Turning  a  dangerous  elbow,  where,  in  front, 

Cast  on  the  fatal  rocks,  brig  Astor  lies  ; 

Warning  to  seamen,  dangers  there  to  shun, 

When  seas  are  rough,  and  rugged  shores  too  i 

To  hold  the  ship  secure,  no  anchoring  ground. 

Sailed  up  unto  the  harbor's  western  bound, 

And  anchored  where  was  safety  from  all  storms. 

Weary  of  coasting,  landing  on  that  shore, 

He  leaves  awhile  the  sea,  the  country  to  explore. 

XLIX. 

Then,  going  south,  discovered  Fanny  Hoe, 
A  little  lake,  surrounded  by  high  hills. 
The  highest  scrambled  up,  and  from  the  top 
Beheld  the  morning  glories  of  the  sun, 
As  first  he  burnished  forest-trees  with  gold. 
The  mountains  cast  their  shadows  on  the  lake, 
With  so  much  truthfulness,  that,  by  mistake, 
Illusive  ground  one  might  attempt  to  tread. 
5 


50  BLACK    HAWK,    AN0 

Upon  the  right,  the  whitened  buildings  stood, 
Of  old  Fort  Wilkins.     Morning  zephyrs  blew, 
And  softly  played  upon  our  country's  flag, 
The  Union's  stars  and  stripes  distending  well. 
One  mile  southwest,  he  saw  Lake  Manganese, 
A  tributary  to  the  first  we  named  ; 
Which,  by  a  fall  precipitous  and  steep, 
Has  made  a  chasm,  and  ope'd  a  white  spar  vein'; 
Has  underneath  a  vein  of  manganese, 
Still  lower  down  succeeds  a  vein  of  spar. 
Mountains  the  margin  of  the  lake  salute, 
Whose  waters  are  transparent,  cool,  and  deep, 
Surrounded  by  a  pebbly  white  sand  beach. 
These  smaller  lakes,  as  doth  Superior  great, 
In  plenteous  fish,  of  various  names,  abound ; 
To  wit :  the  white-fish,  trout,  and  siskowet, 
And  others  ;  speckled  trout  in  all  the  streams. 


L. 

Meanwhile,  at  Copper  Harbor,  there  arrived 
Steamers,  with  many  immigrants  on  board, 
Who  seemed  to  have  a  copper  fever  on  them, 
Come  from  all  parts,  elated  with  high  hopes 
Of  soon  becoming  wealthy  in  their  prime, 
By  snatching  up  the  treasures  here  dispensed — 
E'en  mining  Cornwall  disembogues  her  sons. 
Of  these,  one  long  engaged  in  British  mines 
Seemed  much  astonished,  and  bewildered  quite, 
That  Yankees,  unexperienced  in  the  art, 
And  for  the  business  never  educated, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  61 

Should  understand,  and  carry  it  on  so  well. 

To  which  our  traveller  answered  promptly  thus : 

Think  you  the  Yankees  are  such  dunderheads  ? 

Did  they  not  whip  King  George  and  all  his  legions  ? 

His  seventeen  thousand  Hessian  hirelings,  too  ? 

And  Johnny  Bull  discomfit  on  the  sea, 

And  terminate  all  wars  with  victory  ? 

And  do  not  their  inventions  head  the  world  ? 

Why,  sir !  a  Yankee,  with  his  natural  'cuteness, 

Wisconsin  mountains  could  look  through  with  ease- 

If  he  but  thought  that  mineral  there  was  hid. 

LI. 

Meanwhile,  more  vesseis  constantly  arrive, 
With  loads  of  miners,  speculators,  diggers, 
And  amateurs,  of  various  minds  and  figures, 
In  search  of  wealth,  of  El  Dorado,  north. 
A  glorious  prospect,  those  of  Copper  Falls  ; 
For  there,  not  only  copper  rock  is  found, 
But  silver,  too,  in  quantities  obtained. 
And  if  the  stories  that  we  hear,  be  true, 
Of  all  the  wonders  lately  here  disclosed, 
Copper  and  silver  will  be  dregs  in  market. 
Each  person,  here,  entitled  to  respect, 
Sports  a  tremendous  ring,  well  hammered  out, 
Of  native  silver ;  and  enclosing  in  it 
An  agate,  from  Superior's  mining  shore. 
Many  locations,  excellent,  are  made 
By  numerous  companies,  on  the  Eagle,  Dead, 
And  Mining  rivers — Portage,  Lake  La  Belle. 
Houghton,  geologist  of  Michigan, 
Immortal  wight,  was  sent,  this  coast  to  scan. 


52  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 


LII. 

What  to  the  wonder  of  the  world,  he  found 

His  geological  surveys  amidst, 

On  the  Ontonagon,  a  copper  rock. 

He  finished  his  surveys,  and  left  the  place ; 

After  eight  years  had  fled,  again  returning, 

His  hatchet  lying  on  the  rock  still  found ; 

No  mortal  footstep  had  intruded  there  ; 

No  mortal  eye  had  seen  it,  save  himself. 

'Twas  to  our  country's  capital  conveyed, 

Where,  safely  stored,  it  long,  long  may  be  seen. 

Such  great  discoveries  have  been  made  of  late, 

Of  riches  inexhaustible,  here  hid — 

Of  copper,  iron,  silver,  zinc,  and  gold, 

As  well  to  warrant  the  belief  of  some, 

This  country's  mines  will  distance  all  the  world, 

Peru  and  Mexico  excepting  scarce. 

As  richer,  easier  of  access  than  others, 

Less  digging,  blasting,  pumping,  is  required ; 

And  here  is  realized  whatever  mines  inspired. 

A  thousand  companies  have  locations  here — 

Bounds  for  research,  are  well  defined  and  clear  j 

And  there,  upon  that  soil,  whatever  found, 

Save  ten  per  cent,  is  theirs,  beneath  the  ground. 

LIII. 

First  rock,  before  alluded  to,  was  found 

Up  the  Ontonagon.     In  other  places, 

Many,  much  larger,  since  have  been  disclosed. 


SCENES   IN    THE    WEST.  b3 

This  river,  with  Menominee,  of  Green  Bay, 

Wisconsin,  of  Miss'ippi,  Chippeway, 

Rises  in  Mountains  Porcupine,  and  flows 

North,  into  Lake  Superior  ;  near  midway 

Of  Michigan's  large  tract,  from  east  to  west. 

Ontonagon,  the  river  most  important, 

Whose  tributaries  rise  in  little  lakes ; 

A  harbor  good,  and  easy  of  access, 

It  hath,  with  eight  feet  water  on  the  bar. 

Full  at  its  entrance  lies  an  island  fair ; 

Tests  agricultural  newly  have  been  made, 

Upon  this  river's  rich,  luxuriant  soil ; 

Potatoes,  wheat,  rye,  oats,  and  corn  producing : 

The  forests  on  its  banks  consist  of  oak, 

Birch,  sugar-maple,  hemlock,  lynn,  pine,  fir. 

Once,  on  its  banks  stood  Indian  villages ; 

Fur  company,  here  location  once  possessed. 

Legends  traditionary  say  the  river, 

From  circumstance  as  follows,  name  derived : 

When  peopled  first  by  Indians,  came  a  girl 

With  a  large  bowl,  unto  the  water's  edge  : 

With  careless  hand  filled  it  but  partially, 

Attention  turning  to  some  other  things. 

Escaping  her,  it  floated  down  the  stream. 

She  cried,  On-ton-a-gon !  On-ton-a-gon  ! 

My  bowl !  my  bowl  is  gone  !  and  hence  the  name. 


LIV. 

The  Indians,  either  from  tradition  gray, 
Or  of  design,  expecting  large  reward 
5* 


54  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

For  such  a  search,  explorers  have  informed, 
Of  a  pure  copper  rock,  of  size  immense — 
Large  as  a  mansion-house,  and  situate 
Near  the  head  waters  of  this  golden  river  ; 
And  in  Lake  Desert's  airy  neighborhood. 
Adventurers  have  employed  them  oft  as  guides — 
High  wages  given,  and  travelled  many  days 
In  fond  pursuit  of  what  they  never  found. 
When  one  such  traveller,  after  long  time  spent, 
Gave  o'er  pursuit,  declaring  his  intent, 
His  wily  guide  did  him  inform  straightway, 
That  they  could  reach  the  place  in  half  a  day  ; 
But  vexed,  and  faithless,  would  no  further  go — 
And  thus  the  rock,  Kidd's  money,  like,  remains. 
The  last  three  leagues  of  its  descent  sublime, 
A  thousand  feet  from  high  this  river  falls  ; 
The  trapian  rocks  lays  bare,  that  forms  its  bed, 
And  mineral  veins  that  traverse  them  throughout, 
Containing  copper,  in  its  native  state, 
And  silver  that's  first  rate,  experience  proves. 
But  everything  in  mining,  here,  is  new — 
Among  the  numerous  companies  formed,  but  few 
Have  wrought  at  all ;  but  there's  in  expectation 
Sufficient  to  secure  a  world's  salvation  ; 
At  least,  so  far  as  mining  wealth  can  go ; 
For  which  procure  we  all  we  want  below. 
Riches  !  who  don't  desire  they  should  be  given  ? 
With  these,  we  purchase  everything — but  heaven ! 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  55 


LV. 


The  centre  of  a  rising  State  is  here, 
If  I  am  either  prophet,  saint,  or  seer. 
This  is  the  peaceful  shepherd's  country,  too, 
Here  may  his  harmless  flocks  his  calls  pursue ; 
And  roam  on  mountain's  side,  o'er  dale  and  hill, 
And  drink  the  crystal  waters  when  they  will. 
Its  falling  streams,  in  cataract,  steep,  and  dell, 
Its  fleecy- working  factories  will  propel. 
Its  climate  on  the  lake  is  not  so  cold 
As  some  interior  countries,  we  are  told ; 
But  I'll  desist,  since  future  time  will  show 
That  men,  such  wonders  to  believe,  were  «low. 

LVI. 

At  Copper  Harbor,  "  Lake  Superior  News," 
With  newly- written  editorials  filled, 
Containing  glowing  accounts  of  this  rich  region- 
Success  of  different  mining  company  bands ; 
The  thousand  tons  of  metal  which  they  raise, 
And  what  their  prospects  are  in  future  days, 
Is  weekly  published ;  first  that  ever  was. 
From  the  great  city  Gotham  to  Isle  Royal, 
The  largest  island  in  this  father  lake, 
There's  ne'er  a  tour  with  interest  so  replete. 
Such  varied  scenes,  so  beautiful  and  fair, 
Combining  health,  the  sea  and  mountain  air ; 
And  where  such  height  of  contrast  is  disclosed, 
Diversified  with  every  moral  change, 


56  BLACK    HAWK,    AIVD 

From  Christian,  civilized,  to  savage  life, 

Upon  the  earth  beside,  as  here  is  found. 

This  end  the  route  has  cities,  noise  of  business, 

Of  money-making  schemes,  their  heads  are  full, 

A  goodly  heritage  possess,  and  wealth  ; 

But  full  of  hatred,  envy,  and  distrust — 

Unkind,  uncharitable,  man  with  man, 

In  fond  pursuit  of  golden  straws  of  earth, 

Thrust  others  from  life's  side-walks  eagerly, 

And  trample  down  to  raise  immortal  self, 

And  build  a  citadel  on  another's  ruin. 

The  other,  an  unbroken  wilderness, 

Where  nature's  noblemen  in  numbers  dwell, 

Who  seek  no  worldly  treasures  to  lay  up, 

Where  moth  and  rust  corrupt,  and  thieves  invade. 

Conscious  this  earth  is  but  a  resting-place, 

While  on  their  journey  to  immortal  seats. 

From  day  to  day  they  seek  their  simple  food, 

Offish,  and  fowl,  and  forest's  various  game, 

Content,  and  thankful  to  great  Manitou ; 

Blest  with  a  living  faith,  religious  hope, 

That  an  elysian  heavenly  crowns  decease, 

When  they  will  rest  in  happy  hunting-grounds, 

And  fish  in  pleasant  trout-brooks  there  forever. 

Here  once  the  Catholic  priest  resided,  taught 

Fond  Nature's  children  reverence  for  the  cross. 

Father  Marquette,  the  Christian  soldier,  here 

Did  voyage,  in  love  to  souls  he  held  most  dear. 

One  blessed  man,  devoted  to  the  skies, 

Did  them  instruct  in  things  which  made  them  wise. 

O,  what  scenes,  beautiful  and  tender,  vast. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  57 

And  imagery  sublime,  this  temple  yields ! 

Great  nature's  temple,  here  stupendous,  wild, 

Whose  columns  are  the  lofty,  rugged  mountains, 

Majestic  trees,  and  boulders  adamantine  ; 

Whose  courts,  the  prairies,  boundless  in  extent, 

With  their  rich  emerald  carpets  all  bespangled 

With  a  profusion  endless  of  wild  flowers, 

Of  every  hue  of  golden  tapestry  ; 

Whose  aisles  the  sun-lit  valleys,  mirrored  lakes — 

Whose  sacred  sanctorum  the  tall,  deep  forest, 

Or  dark  recesses  of  the  mountain  gorge — 

Whose  music  is  the  carol  of  the  breeze, 

And  heaven's  own  songsters,  warbling  'mong  the  trees  ; 

Or  sounding  roar  of  falling  cataract's  chime, 

With  thunder  mingling  loud,  its  awful  bass  sublime  ! 


LVII. 

Now,  having  made  his  tour,  the  pioneer 
Sailed  all  around  great  Lake  Superior  clear, 
Viewing  the  Royal  Isle,  and  much  that's  new, 
Some  other  country  his  attention  drew. 
Returning  back,  to  where  St.  Marie  lay, 
Bespoke,  by  schooner,  passage  to  Green  Bay, 
iVhere  Nenah,  full  of  rapids,  has  his  flow; 
ilere  stands  a  city  yet  in  embryo. 
Thence  up  this  river  all  its  rapids  passed, 
Till  Winnebago's  Lake  he  viewed  at  last. 


68  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

LVIII. 

Thence,  through  this  lake,  and  up  the  Nenah  still, 

To  where  Wisconsin's  stream  it  nearly  joins  ; 

Wisconsin,  whence  the  State  derives  its  name. 

The  portage  here,  twelve  furlongs,  only,  wide, 

Connected  by  canal  in  contemplation. 

Further  obstructions  from  these  streams  removed, 

They  furnish  will  a  lengthened  water-course — 

Communication  interrupted  not, 

From  Gotham  great,  to  southern  town,  Orleans, 

A  choice  access  unto  the  best  of  markets. 

Thence,  down  Wisconsin  went  the  pioneer ; 

Thence,  down  the  Mississippi,  to  Orleans, 

Where  he  abode  some  time ;  at  length  returned  ; 

The  river  threaded  up  to  Prairie  du  Chien. 

Particulars  of  his  voyage  down,  or  fare, 

And  what  mishaps  he  met  withal,  elsewhere, 

He  gives  not.     But,  upon  his  passage  up, 

More  leisure,  he  has  given  us  some  account, 

And  well  describes  the  scenery  of  the  valley — 

Chiefly  the  Upper  Mississippi  shore, 

Because  this  region  did  the  more  delight  him, 

As  in  the  following  detail  brief,  his  words  : 

I've  sailed  upon  the  noble  Mississippi, 

And  of  its  landscapes,  features  prominent, 

Which  charmed  me  much,  will  some  description  give. 

The  meaning  of  the  word,  in  Indian  tongue, 

Or  Chippeway,  means  water  everywhere — 

Great  father  of  the  waters,  some  interpret. 

It  rises  farther  north  than  where  white  men, 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST.  59 

T  abide,  have  yet  consented  long  to  dwell. 

Thence,  running  south,  a  winding  course  along, 

Quite  through  the  middle  of  that  valley  large, 

Which  lies  between  the  Alleghanies  east, 

And  Rocky  Mountains  towering  on  the  west ; 

Which  join  a  distant  country,  Oregon. 

Receiving  all  the  rivers  of  this  valley, 

On  either  side,  for  thousand  leagues  around, 

Ohio,  Tennessee,  Arkansas,  Red, 

And  great  Missouri,  with  a  hundred  others ; 

Till  Orleans'  growing  mart  last  passing  by, 

Discharges  all  his  congregated  waters 

In  Mexic'  gulf,  of  vast  circumference. 

What  other  name  could  be  appropriate  ? 

Its  character  so  graphically  speak  ? 

The  natural  great  highway  of  all  this  valley, 

For  merchants'  produce,  dealers',  steamers  gay, 

In  all  their  multitude,  to  bear  away 

The  products  of  this  ever-fruitful  soil, 

To  other  climes  where  needed,  and  to  bring 

The  merchandise  of  other  nations  in. 


,  LIX. 

JTis  called  the  Lower  Mississippi,  all 

That  part  which  lies  Missouri's  mouth  below. 

Save  rocky  bluffs,  a  few  below  St.  Louis, 

And  in  the  neighborhood  of  Natchez  found, 

Both  shores  are  low,  and  level,  covered  o'er 

With  forests  dense,  of  cypress,  cotton-wood, 

Where  wolves  and  panthers  prowl,  and  men  are  not. 


BLA.CK    HAWK,   AND 

And  eagles,  undisturbed,  seize  on  their  prey. 
Alluvian  banks,  to  constant  change  submitting, 
Where  rapid  currents  shift  the  channel  oft. 
Its  waters  dark,  ne'er  bear  a  crystal  hue  ; 
Of  whirlpools,  eddies,  sawyers  full,  and  trees, 
Torn  from  the  forest's  margin,  and  swept  down 
By  sweeping  currents  unassuaged,  and  swift ; 
Of  dangerous  passage,  difficult  to  land. 
Here  is  a  place,  the  Grave -yard  rightly  named ; 
Upon  the  right,  a  rocky  bluff  there  lies — 
On  other  side,  in  dread  array,  is  seen 
Islands,  and  sand-bars,  where  imbedded  lie 
The  wrecks  of  half  a  hundred  steamers  lost. 
Grave-yard  it  is,  since  hundreds  living  men, 
Tars,  passengers,  and  those  in  high  command, 
Have  life  resigned  on  this  ill-fated  strand. 
Here,  in  full  view,  and  passing  to  and  fro, 
With  circumspection  grave,  are  many  vessels. 
Along  the  muddy  stream  the  bottom-lands, 
Of  thickly- wooded  growth,  are  seen  afar  ; 
Wo  to  the  immigrant  that  locates  here  ! 
Anon,  a  lonely  cabin  meets  the  eye, 
The  home  of  misery,  sickness,  and  disease  ; 
And  where  the  occupant  depends  alone 
Upon  the  sale  of  fuel  for  support. 


LX. 

But  of  the  Upper  Mississippi,  things 
Better,  and  fraught  with  admiration,  speak. 
St.  Louis,  centre  of  the  western  world  ! 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  61 


Where  great  Missouri  all  her  stores  pours  i 
A  city  that  must  rise  to  great  importance 
I  left  St.  Louis,  up  the  river  bound. 


'Twas  on  a  summer's  day,  all  clear  and  bright. 
Phoebus  had  just  awakened  from  his  rest ; 
On  gilded  spires  and  temples  cast  his  light, 
And  all  the  adjoining  shores  with  radiance  blest. 

The  city  murmurs  died  upon  the  ear— 
The  stately  structures  fading  out  of  sight. 
I  saw  the  river  change  its  color  now ; 
I  saw  along  the  eastern  shore  a  streak 
Of  crystal  water,  widening  farther  up. 
And  now  was  seen  the  beauteous  town  of  Alton, 
Out-peeping  from  among  its  pictured  bluffs, 
Dividing  into  upper,  lower  town. 
And  now  dark  waters  narrowed  on  the  west, 
And  on  a  sand-bar's  spine,  just  visible 
Between  the  streams,  the  rivers  adverse  met. 
Missouri  rose  in  circling  wave,  and  toppled, 
And  then,  to  mingle  with  an  element 
More  pure  and  crystalline,  did  hasten  on. 
But  Mississippi,  loathing  foul  alliance 
With  such  a  turbid  stream,  so  rudely  sought, 
As  maiden  coy,  such  overture  rejects, 
Stole  angrily  away  t'  the  other  shore, 
Beneath  the  forest  dark,  and  there  preserved 
His  own  identity,  a  long  way  down, 
In  narrow  vein,  transparent,  till,  at  length, 
Was,  by  the  muddy  monster,  swallowed  up. 
6 


02  BLACK    HAWK     AND 


LXI. 

Missouri  is  the  Rocky  Mountains'  son  ; 

The  other  from  a  distant  lake  up-sprung, 

And  here  majestic  union  of  the  powers 

Took  place.     They,  in  deep  wilderness  of  ours, 

Do  rise  in  solitudes  untrodden  yet  by  man, 

Where  nature  based  their  fountains  ere  they  ran. 

Yet,  when  united  and  matured  they  be, 

Produce  a  mighty  influence  on  the  trembling  sea. 

But,  soon  as  we  had  passed  Missouri  by, 

To  Upper  Mississippi  we  drew  nigh. 

A  balmy  country,  beauteous  to  behold, 

As  silver  pictures  set  with  pearls  and  gold. 

O,  could  I  emulate  a  poet's  lays  ! 

And  sound  a  note  of  never-dying  praise 

To  thee,  great  father  of  perpetual  floods  ! 

A  pictured  world  thine  own  meandering  through  ; 

Hence  will  I,  up  your  vale,  my  wandering  way  pursue 


The  shores  now  beautifully  rise  to  hills, 

With  verdure  crowned,  and  sloping  to  the  verge  ; 

All  mirrored  in  the  crystal  stream  below. 

A  cultivated  shore  upon  the  right, 

Upon  the  left  did  several  islands  hang, 

Whose  lofty  columns,  of  luxuriant  growth, 

Bespoke  a  soil  enriched  beyond  compare. 

Then,  in  the  distance,  lay  an  open  vista, 

Where  various  feathered  tribes  did  show  themselves, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  63 

And  cheerful  singing-birds  their  songs  did  chant  ; 

While  met  the  vision,  multifariously, 

On  either  side  the  banks,  perpetual  flowers, 

Whose  fragrance  did  almost  oppress  the  sense. 

Anon,  a  pleasant  village  gave  to  view, 

On  either  side  a  landscape  beautiful. 

Anon,  a  pleasant  prairie,  reaching  down 

Unto  the  river's  brink,  did  show  a  town. 

Saw  Quincy  standing  mostly  on  a  bluff, 

With  marshes  that  adjoined  it  very  low. 

Now  comes  Des  Moines  in  grandeur  from  the  west ; 

And  now  the  lower  rapids  show  themselves. 

Iowa  shore,  where  Keokuck  looks  out ; 

And  here  a  county  settled  in  a  day,  \s*  ""•* 

When  Black  Hawk's  tribe  departed  far  away. 

LXIII. 

Long  ere  they'd  gone,  the  yeomen  flocked  so  dense, 
This  goodly  land  so  eager  to  possess, 
That,  on  the  eve  of  that  appointed  day, 
Hundreds  of  wagons  standing  on  the  line, 
Thousands  of  emigrants  encamping  there, 
To  be  the  first  had  come,  first  in  possession, 
You  might  have  seen.     Precisely  at  the  hour 
3f  midnight,  when  possession  was  allowed 
Throughout  the  region  joining  on  Des  Moines, 
A  thousand  axes,  then,  you  might  have  heard, 
Resounding  through  the  forest  far  and  wide  ; 
Cabins  to  raise,  and  residences  fix  ; 
Fierce  wrangling  for  conflicting  claims,  mixed  up 


64  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

With  many  a  fight,  and  many  a  lusty  blow. 
And  ere  the  sun  arose  upon  the  scene, 
Long  ere  his  going  down  upon  that  day, 
A  county  equal  in  extent  to  two 
Of  ordinary  size,  was  claimed  and  settled. 

LXIV. 

On  a  high  bluff  that  puts  out  in  the  stream, 
Fort  Edward  lies — is  beautifully  seen 
From  Keokuck,  a  half-breed  village  thence 
Across  the  water  just  below  the  rapids  ; 
On  which  some  Indian  fishermen  are  seen 
The  eve  with  lighted  boats,  appearing  oft, 
Then  vanishing  like  meteor  flies  of  night. 
The  constant  roaring  of  the  waters  here, 
An  Indian  yell  occasionally  sent  up, 
Their  fires  upon  the  shore,  abundant  fish  ; 
The  sound  of  mirth  heard  from  the  village  near 
The  passengers'  attention  eager  drew. 
Now  at  the  head  of  rapids  stands  Nauvoo, 
A  city  famous,  seat  of  Mormon  power. 
Upon  the  bluffs  a  herd  of  deer,  with  fawn, 
Are  cropping  quietly  the  flowery  lawn  ; 
And,  farther  up,  Rock  Island,  picturesque, 
Surmounted  by  a  recent  castle,  stands, 
Delightful  haunt  of  Black  Hawk  and  his  tribe. 
Spontaneous  apples,  berries,  plums,  there  grew 
Of  various  kinds  ;  whose  waters  yielded  fish 
Black  Hawk,  in  summer,  hither  did  resort ; 
Who  says  a  spirit  good  had  of  it  charge — 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  65 

Dwelt  in  a  cave  beneath  the  fort's  foundation ; 

Was  white,  with  wings  like  swan's,  ten  times  as  large ; 

Was  often  seen,  and  that  much  care  was  ta'en 

To  make  no  noise  that  should  his  rest  disturb. 

But  since,  loud  cannon,  booming  from  the  fort, 

Have  driven  him  quite  away ;   and  'tis  supposed 

An  evil  spirit  succeeding,  took  his  place. 

LXV. 

And  here  the  upper  rapids  we  approached  ; 
Here  we  beheld  in  numbers,  flying  about, 
At  hour  of  eve,  found  here,  and  nowhere  else, 
A  certain  insect,  called  the  Mormon  fly. 
Where  they  alight  until  they  die,  remain, 
Unless  disturbed  or  from  their  hold  unloosed. 
Next,  on  the  side  of  Illinois,  appear 
Fantastic  bluffs,  and  isolated  rocks  ; 
With  vines  and  mosses  covered,  they  present, 
To  our  imagination,  ancient  towers, 
Castles,  and  forts,  in  ruin  battered  down  ; 
As  if  th*  unwary  traveller  here  to  tell 
A  melancholy  tale  of  ages  past. 
This  kind  of  scenery  ornaments  Du  Buque, 
Across  the  river,  reaching  Prairie  du  Chien  ; 
The  farther  up,  more  lofty  and  imposing. 
Upon  the  summit  of  a  bluff  like  these, 
Most  beautiful,  there  stands  a  wooden  cross. 
Both  large  and  high,  a  cabin  neatly  built, 
The  resting-place  of  miners'  friend,  Du  Buque ; 
Enclosed  in  leaden  coffin,  his  request. 
6* 


66  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Some  distance  up  La  Fevre,  lies  Galena, 
Opp'site,  among  the  bluffs,  emporium  great 
Of  lead ;  a  city  corporate  has  become. 
Ascending  still,  the  bottom  lands  grow  narrow, 
The  river  winds  yet  more,  and  turns  northwest. 
Cassville  stands  on  a  narrow  bottom  here, 
Opening  a  passage  through  to  Mineral  Point. 

LXVI. 

Opp'site  Wisconsin  river  stands  Pike's  Hill 

Abrupt  and  lofty  ;  just  above  this  place, 

East  side,  Fort  Crawford  stands,  and  Prairie  du  Chien. 

For  several  miles  along  extends  the  town. 

The  river  here  is  full  of  little  islands, 

And  when  by  freshets  swelled  to  highest  flow, 

Across,  from  hill  to  hill,  is  full  three  miles. 

Originally  settled  by  the  French, 

It  was  a  place  of  some  importance  once, 

As  chimneys  old,  and  ruined  cellars  show 

Its  beauteous  prairie  to  the  river  verdant, 

While,  back,  its  bluffs  rise  several  hundred  feet. 

Irregular,  picturesque,  so  is  the  town, 

Both  rude  and  wild  ;  in  its  construction,  quaint. 

Here  lies  the  ruins  of  an  ancient  fortress, 

Here  stands  a  Catholic  church  with  gilded  cross, 

And  there,  projecting  up,  some  ancient  mounds  ; 

Fort  Crawford  sending  forth  discordant  sounds. 

And  now  is  seen  the  Indian  trader's  store, 

Surrounded  by  a  band  of  Winnebagoes, 

Who  here  resort  for  purposes  of  trade* 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST.  67 

Here  trenches,  mounds,  and  parapets  appear, 

Connected  in  a  series  under  ground, 

For  military  use  in  ancient  war ; 

And  tomahawks  of  brass  not  now  in  use  ; 

And  stories  of  gigantic  skeletons, 

As  Indian  legends  say,  here  disinterred, 

Who  tell  us  that  a  race  of  giants  white, 

Once  held  the  soil,  whom  they  have  dispossessed. 

Where  this  town  stands  the  river  once  did  run, 

Confirmed  by  what  geologists  have  done. 

Hence,  this  great  stream  is  but  a  rivulet 

To  what  it  was,  when  it  its  banks  did  fill. 

LXVII. 

Sought  the  sequestered  shades  the  traveller  now, 
And  strolled  about  the  country,  through  the  wood, 
And  pleasant  prairies  there  adjoining  on  ; 
And  fished,  and  fowled,  and  ate  of  every  kind 
The  flesh.     A  wild  association  found 
Of  native  men,  that  roamed  the  forest  through  , 
Acquainted  long  with  men  of  Gallia's  race, 
And  something  of  their  policy  had  learned. 
Rock  Island  visited,  the  site  and  haunts 
Of  Black  Hawk — River  Rock  meandering  up, 
And  walked  alone  for  contemplation  oft, 
And  strayed  far  off  the  place  of  his  abode. 
One  day  his  meditations  were  absorbing  ; 
He  wandered  far  into  th'  untrodden  wood, 
And  seemed  to  be  in  melancholy  mood. 
1  sudden  darkness  fell  upon  him  there, 


68  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Before  he  from  his  reverie  did  awake. 
Then  rousing  up  himself,  he  looked  all  round, 
And  with  what  light  remaining  scanned  the  ground, 
To  see  if,  by  the  undulations  in  it, 
He  could  make  out  to  conjure  where  he  was. 
But  darkness,  like  to  that  on  Egypt  fell, 
For  stubborn  crimes  persisted  in  too  long, 
Fell  on  him  there.     His  hand  he  held  before, 
Could  not  discern,  nor  aught  of  land,  or  bog, 
Or  water  there  ;  nor  had  he  learned,  as  yet, 
By  moss  on  trees,  or  signs,  his  course  to  shape, 
As  red  men,  more  sagacious,  well  could  do. 

LXVIII. 

To  farther  go  that  night,  declining  then, 

And  flint,  and  steel,  and  spunk-wood  taking  out, 

He  struck  the  latent  spark,  fire  kindled  up  ; 

Wrapping  his  cloak  around,  to  sleep  laid  down. 

The  fire  he  knew  would  frighten  dangerous  beasts ; 

Till  morning  light  appeared,  resolved  on  rest. 

Then,  came  there  one, and  shook  him,  saying — "Awake! 

Rise,  come  away  to  a  better  place  of  rest ; 

You  act  unwisely  to  be  lying  here, 

When  I've  a  house  to  shelter  you  so  near.' 

This  was  a  Pennsylvanian,  that  day 

Upon  a  hunting  tour,  returning  home  , 

To  travel  in  the  darkest  wood  well  knew, 

By  all  those  signs  by  red  men  understood  ; 

For  he  an  Indian  trader  long  had  been, 

And  during  half  a  century,  here  had  dwelt. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST. 

He  knew  the  Indian  character  full  well, 

And  how  a  forest  man  to  personate. 

He  led  our  traveller  through  the  wood  apace, 

Which  was,  by  open  space,  succeeded  soon. 

A  light  was  seen,  and  soon  the  cabin  reached, 

Of  his  kind  host,  who  sat  before  him  meat. 

With  hungry  men,  much  to  converse,  or  ask 

Questions  before  they've  eaten,  manners  ill. 

This,  Indians  know,  and  sacredly  observe  ; 

And,  while  the  pipe  of  peace  goes  cheerful  round, 

A  solemn  silence  well  becomes  a  guest ; 

This  done,  all  free  to  conversation  given. 

Like  custom  here  ;  the  meal  and  pipe  enjoyed, 

Thus  to  converse,  the  pioneer  began : — 

These  are  the  haunts  of  Black  Hawk,  famous  chief, 

And  this  the  ground  of  battle  for  his  rights. 

To  you,  no  doubt,  all  things  concerning  him , 

Are  quite  familiar.     I  would  be  informed  ; 

As  anything  that  doth  to  him  relate. 

Would  be  acceptable  unto  my  ears. 

PENNSYLVANIAN. 

Yes  !  Black  Hawk  was  a  chief,  say  well  you  may, 
Of  rare  renown,  as  fame  doth  also  say ; 
For  we  were  personally  known,  and  I 
Can,  of  his  doings,  justly  testify. 

PIONEER. 

Indeed  ?  your  speech  is  music  in  my  ear  ; 
The  history  give  ;  I  shall  rejoice  to  hear 


70  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

The  genealogy  of  th'  illustrious  chief; 
The  causes  of  the  war,  and  of  his  grief. 


PE  NNS  YLV  ANI  AN. 

Darkness  sits  brooding  o'er  the  silent  earth  ; 
The  evening  hour's  already  far  advanced, 
While  beast,  and  bird,  and  reptile,  do  repose  ; 
We've  travelled  far,  and  underwent  fatigue. 
And  weariness  reminds  us  of  like  rest. 
The  subject,  too,  is  long  to  tell ;  therefore, 
Lie  down  till  bright  Aurora  streaks  the  east — 
Then  rise,  refreshed  by  sleep,  and  you  shall  feast 
Upon  the  story  you  so  much  desire. 
This  said,  he  led  him  to  an  upper  room, 
Well  furnished  ;  for  repose,  a  downy  bed, 
Whereon  he  bade  his  guest  recline  his  head. 

LXIX. 

Soon  as  Aurora,  daughter  of  the  dawn, 

Had  streaked  the  east  with  signs  of  early  morn, 

The  traveller  rose,  and  promenaded  there, 

The  woodland  scene  to  view,  and  scent  the  balmy  air 

The  landscape  round  was  pleasant  to  behold, 

The  sun  had  risen,  and  burnished  it  with  gold. 

In  cultivated  field  the  building  stood, 

Surrounded  on  all  sides  by  lofty  wood. 

'Twas  built  of  logs,  of  stately  trunks  hewn  square, 

No  polish,  paint,  or  ornaments  require — 

A  puncheon  floor,  a  lynn-wood  loft,  a  roof 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  71 

Of  clap-boards  made.     Beside  its  walls  uphung 
Frocks,  pantaloons,  and  hunting-shirts  of  linsey. 
Seen  pending  from  the  loft,  and  underhanging, 
Deer-skins  and  peltries ;  farther  down,  a  gourd — 
A  chimney  large,  the  fire  beneath  built  high. 
The  breakfast  o'er,  and  smoked  the  calumet, 
Seated  within,  beside  the  pleasant  fire, 
"Now,"  said  the  host,  "  I'll  grant  what  you  desire." 


BLACK  HAWK, 

AND 

SCENES  IN   THE   WEST. 


CANTO    II. 


THE      ARGUMENT. 

Description  of  Nit-o-me-ma,  or  Gentle  Dove — The  good  missionary — Hsr 
conversion  to  Christianity — Marquette — Marriage  to  Omaint-si-ar-nah— 
His  departure  to  the  war — Que-la-wah's  treachery — He  procures  the 
banishment  of  Gentle  Dove — She  takes'  up  her  abode  in  a  cave  in  the 
dense  forest,  where  she,  for  a  long  time,  is  miraculously  preserved— 
Omaint-si-ar-nah  returns  home,  becomes  convinced  of  her  innocence, 
and  kills  Que-la-wah — Que-la-wah  appears  to  him  in  a  vision  of  the 
night,  and  infonns  him  that  Gentle  Dove  is  yet  alive — He  finds  her  af 
ter  diligent  search — A  joyful  meeting  described — They  live  out  their 
days  together  in  happy  love,  and  from  this  virtuous  pair  descended  Black 
Hawk. 


AND  thus  the  Pennsylvanian  began  : — 
In  early  times,  according  to  tradition, 
Before  the  western  wilderness  was  trod 
By  white  men,  there  did  live  a  princess  young ; 
Than  she,  no  fairer  lady  ever  sprung 
From  Indian  blood.     Her  name  was  Nit-o-me-ma, 
Which,  rendered  in  our  language,  signifies 
7 


74  BLACK    HAWK,    ANI7 


A  Gentle  Dove,  whatever  appertains. 
And  faithfully  did  she  answer  to  the  name  ; 
For  she  was  beautiful  to  look  upon, 
Of  a  sweet  voice  and  temper,  and  beloved      .  . 
By  all  who  knew  her,  for  her  gentleness, 
And  for  those  numerous  acts  of  kindness  done, 
Which  she  was  ever  ready  to  confer. 
E'en  insomuch,  that  it  became  proverbial, 
In  those  times,  that  she  ne'er  acquaintance  made, 
Without  soon  bringing  them,  by  pious  deeds, 
Under  the  strongest  obligations  to  her  ; 
That  none  with  her  did  e'er  associate, 
Without  being  wiser  made,  and  better  for  it. 
She  to  the  tribe  of  powerful  Sacs  belonged  ; 
A  nation  then  inhabiting,  remote, 
Those  regions,  unexplored,  that  westward  layt 
And  south  of  Michigan's  unstable  sea, 
Far  in  the  east  their  origin  once  had. 
This  beautiful  and  new  romantic  country 
Is  watered  by  the  Upper  Mississippi, 
And  numbers  of  its  tributary  streams  ; 
Great  Mississippi  Valley,  therefore,  called. 
By  Marquette,  godly  Frenchman,  who  was  first 
%  That  came  to  plant  the  standard  of  the  cross, 
Of  King  Immanuel,  in  her  father's  land, 
Was  she  converted  to  the  Christian  faith. 
This  one  immortal  man,  so  truly  great, 
For  missionary  enterprise,  was  first 
Discoverer  of  the  noble  Mississippi, 
And  of  that  vast  internal  world  well  watered 
By  all  its  branches,  it  meandering  through, 


^ 
J  <* 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  76 

II. 

Prone  on  his  new  and  perilous  voyage  Tiither, 
O'er  the  great  inland  seas  of  America, 
In  a  frail  bark  he  bounded,  till  he  reached 
The  western  borders  of  Lake  Michigan. 
After  encountering  dangers,  woes  unnumbered, 
And  hardships  long  endured  by  land  and  sea, 
Long  suffering  almost  every  sore  privation 
That's  possible  for  human  life  to  brave, 
Last  he  had  penetrated  to  the  heart 
Of  this  vast  continent,  visited  the  tribes 
And  numerous  nations  on  the  happy  shores. 
This  did  he,  hoping  not  an  earthly  crown, 
Nor  had  he  once  an  eye  to  his  renown. 


in. 

But  solely  for  the  purpose  of  imparting, 

To  souls  benighted,  knowledge  of  that  gospel, 

Sublime,  of  Christ,  glad  tidings  of  great  joy, 

Unto  all  people  everywhere  revealed. 

In  journeying  through  the  waste  from  tribe  to  tribe, 

The  savage  nations  round  together  calls, 

To  them  proclaiming,  in  their  council-halls, 

The  one  true  God,  Creator,  and  their  Saviour. 

Thus  did  he  fervently  pursue  his  labors, 

Of  love  and  pure  devotion  'mong  the  tribes, 

Until  a  wicked  and  nefarious  band, 

In  ignorance,  blind  of  what  they  were  about, 

Mistaking  his  benevolent  designs. 


76  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 

Ascribing  motives  mercenary,  base, 

Encompassed  him  about,  to  slay  him  there  ; 

Assailing  him  full  oft  with  clubs  and  arrows, 

Which  higher  power  averted  from  their  aim, 

And  gave  him  some  respite  to  flee  away ; 

Thence,  he  retired  into  the  wood  to  pray, 

And  seek  deliverance  from  the  hands  of  God. 

It  pleased  the  Lord  to  grant  him  that  relief 

Which  he  so  ardently  besought  in  prayer, 

And  call  his  spirit  to  his  rest  above. 

His  foes  pursued,  intending  to  destroy, 

And  glut  their  vengeance  on  the  Lord  s  anointed — 

Approached,  and  saw  him  in  a  praying  posture, 

As  they  had  often  seen  him  kneel  before  ; 

Fitted  their  arrows  archly  to  the  bow, 

Without  creating  in  him  any  movement, 

Or  least  emotion,  fear  t'  avoid  the  dart — 

He  seemed  like  one  whose  spirit  hence  had  fled. 

They  came  and  touched  him,  found  him  cold  and  dead ; 

The  power  he  trusted  had  delivered  him, 

The  Lord's  anointed,  from  their  violent  hands. 

His  work  was  done,  he  sweetly  passed  away, 

Amid  his  labors.     Wide  were  his  designs — 

Earth's  benefactor,  not  unlike  his  Master, 

On  earth  he  had  no  certain  dwelling-place  ; 

But  in  high  heaven  he  sits  a  child  of  grace. 

IV. 

Adherents  few  and  faithful,  whose  hard  hearts, 
With  hallowed  fire,  ere  this  time,  God  had  touched, 
Mourned  over  him ;  and  there,  upon  the  banks 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  77 

Of  that  pure  river,  by.  himself  discovered, 

Which  bears  his  name,  they  dug  the  lonely  grave 

Of  God's  most  humble  servant,  faithful  soldier 

Of  the  cross.     There  they  buried  him  in  the  sand  ; 

He,  who  came  first  upon  his  Master's  business, 

To  teach,  to  humanize,  exalt,  and  bless, 

The  pagan  people  of  this  wilderness. 

v. 

By  Marquette,  as  we  said,  was  she  converted 
To  Christian  faith.     Uncommonly  devout, 
Walking  in  every  ordinance  of  the  Lord 
Blameless,  according  unto  all  she'd  heard, 
And  been  instructed  by  this  holy  man. 
Soon  after  this,  unto  a  warlike  prince 
Of  her  own  nation,  bold  and  gay,  was  wedded  ; 
Son  of  Na-ma-rna-kee,  the  nation's  chief. 
Omaint-si-ar-nah,  was  the  young  man  called. 
He  was  a  tall,  athletic  son  o'  the  forest ; 
Nature  had  lavished  gifts  in  rich  profusion  ; 
Was  beautiful  and  manly  in  his  person — 
Easy  and  graceful  in  his  dignity 
And  bearing.     Features  regular  and  handsome — 
Skilful,  adroit  in  using  of  the  bow ; 
And  deer  and  game  could  kill  at  distance  great. 
In  battle  bold,  in  his  affections  ardent — 
The  faithful  friend,  kind  husband,  generous  host. 
From  his  door,  hungry,  no  man  ever  went; 
In  short,  if  he  had  any  failing  rare, 
Twas  this — that  he  was  sanguine  in  his 
7* 


78  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Too  credulous,  and  jealous  of  the  affections 
Of  those  he  loved,  and  fondly  doted  on. 
Ne'er  was  a  happier  and  more  blithesome  day, 
Than  that  which  did  their  nuptials  consummate, 
Nor  e'er  a  happier  couple  than  these  twain. 
Omaint-si-ar-nah,  and  his  Gentle  Dove. 

O  love  !  with  thy  intoxicating  bowl, 
How  dost  thou  charm  and  fascinate  the  soul ! 
And  pour  therein  such  rivers  of  delight, 
That  Eden's  joys  do  linger  in  the  flight ! 


VI. 

Soon  after  she  became  the  bride 

Of  him,  her  glory,  prince,  and  pride, 

Tidings  unpleasant,  and  unfair, 

And  grievous  to  the  happy  pair, 

Of  separation,  dread  to  name, 

Too  soon  from  tribes  confederate  came. 

The  chieftain  young  called  to  the  war, 

The  place  of  his  encampment  far. 

Tears  from  his  eyes  stole  down  and  fell, 

As  he  his  loved  one  bade  farewell. 

Not  less  felt  she,  and  suffered  sore, 

Fearing  she'd  see  his  face  no  more ! 

He  armed  himself,  and  strode  away, 

Over  the  hills,  and  far  away. 

And  seemed  so  merry,  blithe  and  gay ; 

His  armor  on  his  buckler  rung, 

And  as  he  journeyed,  thus  he  sung  : 


SCKNKS    IN    THE    WEST.  79 

SONG. 

Chief  I  am  of  my  own  clan, 
Meet  the  foeman  man  to  man  ; 
With  my  arrow  and  my  bow, 
I  can  slay  the  strongest  foe. 

With  rich  spoils  I  shall  return, 
Merrily  my  fire  will  burn, 
As  I  sit  with  son  and  spouse, 
And  fulfil  my  early  vows. 

The  prairie  grass  is  now  my  bed, 
The  only  curtain  round  my  head, 
Without  the  voice  of  her  I  love, 
Far,  far  from  thee,  my  Gentle  Dove  ! 

And  while  I  fondly  think  on  thee, 
And  all  thy  anxious  cares  for  me, 
The  worst  may  come,  it  makes  me  fear, 
Extort  from  thee  the  mourner's  tear. 

But  should  it  come,  the  worst  that  can, 
I'll  act  the  hero,  die  the  man  ; 
Death  cannot  pilfer  me  of  love, 
Sweet  lady  fair,  my  Gentle  Dove  ! 

'Tis  here  corroding  on  my  heart, 
Fixed  is  the  wound  of  Cupid's  dart ; 
Forever  burns  the  flame  of  love, 
For  thee,  sweet  girl,  my  Gentle  Dove ! 


80  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

VII. 

He  left  his  dear  love  with  her  widowed  parent  ; 
For  father  she  had  none,  and   in  the  care 
Of  an  Indian  friend,  whose  name  was  Que-la-wah  ; 
Which,  when  interpreted,  doth  mean  deceit. 
How  well  his  conduct  with  the  name  comports, 
Ere  long,  the  sequel  will  too  clearly  show. 
Companion  of  his  youth,  in  whom  reposed 
He  confidence  unbounded  ;  charging  him 
His  bride  and  aged  mother  take  good  care, 
Till  his  return,  and  see  they  nothing  wanted. 
His  stay  was  longer  much  than  he  had  deemed  ; 
The  lengthening  war  his  presence  still  required, 
And  constant  care  in  council  and  in  field. 

VIII. 

Epistolary  writing  was  unknown  ; 
Hence,  it  became  a  custom  at  that  day, 
When  needful  correspondence  must  take  place, 
With  those  at  distance,  to  despatch  a  wight. 
In  whom  the  person  sending  could  confide?. 
With  oral  message  tidings  oft  to  bear ; 
Whether  to  lover,  friend,  or  warring  chief. 
Now,  by  this  ready  mode  of  correspondence, 
Omaint-si-ar-nah,  as  his  stay  was  long, 
Sent  frequent  messages  to  Gentle  Dove, 
Of  all  his  charged  affairs,  informing  her 
His  health,  and  oft  inquiring  after  her's. 
Soon  after  his  departure  to  the  war, 


SCEXltS    IX    TIIK    WEST.  81 

His  faithless  friend,  'La-wah,  became  enamored 
Of  his  most  beauteous  bride,  the  Gentle  Dove  ; 
And  sought,  by  every  means  within  his  power, 
Her,  from  the  path  of  virtue,  to  allure ; 
Renounce,  to  her  affianced  lord,  allegiance, 
And  yield  herself  the  victim  of  his  love. 
But  all  his  tired  endeavors,  for  this  end, 
Were  fruitless  ;  for  she  hearkened  not  to  him, 
Although  from  morn  till  eve  importunate. 
But  when  he  found  he  nothing  could  prevail, 
But  that,  indignantly,  she  spurned  him  from  her, 
Steadfast  and  faithful  to  her  absent  lord, 
His  love  towards  her  was  turned  to  enmity, 
His  anger  greatly  kindled  to  destroy  her. 


IX. 

Meanwhile,  as  she  was  much  perplexed  in  spirit, 
Anxious,  not  knowing  unto  what  'twould  grow, 
She  had  a  dream,  most  singularly  alarming, 
And  wonderfully  prophetic  in  its  features. 
For,  lo  !  in  boding  visions  of  the  night, 
While  in  a  dream,  upon  her  bed,  she  saw, 

Standing  before  her,  there,  an  awful  form, 

Greater  than  human,  of  a  solemn  mien, 

Vnd  dreadful  aspect,  awfully  revolting. 

knd,  lo !  he  ope'd  his  mouth,  and  spake,  and  said  :— 
O,  of  the  Holy  Virgin  much  beloved ! 
Who  to  her  Son's  bright  throne  thy  prayers  presents, 
And  doth  prevail,  and  ever  must  prevail ! 
To  whom  thy  virtuous  constancy  is  known — 


82  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Words  comfortable  have  I  come  to  speak  ; 

The  Mighty  Ruler  doth  respect  the  meek. 

Fear  God  !  be  steadfast  in  thy  constancy  ! 

And  let  thy  faith  be  strengthened  to  rely 

On  favor  so  divine,  in  all  thou  dost, 

And  trials  needful  through  which  thou  must  pass. 

Unless  thou  this  dost  do,  thou  canst  not  stand 

Against  the  adversaries  of  thy  soul. 

For  what  thou  hast  already  suffered  long 

From  Que-la-wah,  are  but  incipient, 

Beginnings  sad  of  greater  woes  to  come, 

And  sorrows  thine,  long  felt.     Yea  !  of  a  truth, 

He,  even  he  that's  nearest  to  thy  heart, 

In  whom  thy  soul  delighteth,  good  'Si-ar-nah, 

The  noblest  chief  of  all  the  warring  tribes, 

To  his  great  loss  shall  be  deceived  by  bribes — 

Enraged,  forsake  his  ever-faithful  wife, 

And  thou  shalt  narrowly  escape  with  life. 


Moreo'er,  commissioned  from  the  shining  throne, 

The  Virgin  has  instructed  to  make  known 

To  thee,  yet  more  ;  what  else  were  under  seal, 

Thy  nation's  future  destiny  reveal, 

And  what  shall  surely  come  to  pass  in  years. 

Resume  thy  courage,  and  repress  thy  fears  ! 

Behold  !  for  empire  there  shall  be  a  strife  ! 

A  mighty  struggle,  not  accounting  life, 

Between  thy  people  and  a  powerful  race 

Of  white  men,  far  off,  lately  gained  a  place, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  83 

And  footing  in  the  east,  far  off,  and  near 
The  rising  sun.     At  first,  they  small  appear  ; 
But,  waxing  strong,  to  empire  shall  aspire, 
Sweep  o'er,  and  subjugate  the  continent  entire. 


XI. 

They  shall  come,  even  here,  with  mighty  hand, 
Vnd,  with  their  armies,  overspread  the  land 
Of  thy  forefathers,  and  possess  the  same, 
Not  heeding,  as  they  ought,  tfiy  people's  claim. 
But  lo  !  thy  nation  shall  not  want  renown  ! 
Behold  the  prince  that  bears  the  laurel  crown ! 
The  prince  that's  yet  to  rise,  Black  Hawk  by  name  ; 
The  earth  scarce  proves  a  limit  to  his  fame  ! 
From  thee  descended,  who  shall,  in  his  day, 
O'er  many  chiefs  and  many  tribes  bear  sway. 
Shall  fight  successful  battles  in  his  prime, 
Shall  lead  them  forth  to  war,  and,  in  his  time, 
Shall  cause  his   enemies  to  fear  and  fly  ; 
But  numerous  armies,  that  in  ambush  lie 
Of  whites,  shall  overcome  him,  and  will  bind 
In  chains  his  person,  not  his  stubborn  mind. 
Yet  shall  a  timely  star  direct  his  flight ; 
His  foes  shall  bow  in  reverence  at  his  sight — 
To  hurt  him  shall  not  with  success  conspire, 
Though  many  seek  his  death  with  strong  desire  ; 
Yet  he  in  peace  shall  die  in  his  own  ways, 
And  sympathizing  nations  give  him  praise  ; 
And  heap  eulogiums  on  his  injured  name, 
And  thou  shalt  live  forever  in  his  fame ! 


BLACK    HAWK,    ANI> 
XII. 

Yet,  in  the  future  far,  are  these  events, 

And  live  to  see  them  verified,  shalt  not ; 

Yet  thou  shalt  suffer  that  which  rarely  falls 

To  mortals,  man  or  woman,  to  endure. 

But  suffer  not  thyself  to  be  cast  down, 

Nor  yield  to  great  discouragement  thereat ; 

For  heaven  is  on  thy  side.     The  Holy  Virgin 

Will  not  forsake  thee,  nor  neglect  to  hear, 

And  to  present  before  her  Son  thy  prayers, 

Ascending  up  to  heaven  from  pious  lips. 

And  in  thy  day  of  great  adversity, 

Behold,  for  thy  protector  and  thy  guide, 

To  thee  shall  be  revealed  the  Star  of  Bethlehem ! 

XIII. 

Meanwhile,  his  fell  designs  to  execute, 

Was  Que-la-wah  most  busily  employed — 

His  whole  soul  bent  upon  the  ruin  of  one 

Whom  he  could  not  seduce  from  virtue's  path. 

The  messenger  Omaint-si-ar-nah  sent, 

To  bear  the  tidings  to  his  faithful  love, 

A  very  wicked  and  hard-hearted  wretch, 

Who,  for  a  petty  bribe,  could  enter  in 

To  all  the  fell  designs  of  Que-la-wah, 

Against  the  peace  and  life  of  Gentle  Dove. 

Therefore,  whene'er  he  came  with  message  for  her, 

She  knew  it  not,  nor  sent  an  answer  back  ; 

For  Que-la-wah  did  intercept  and  bribe 


•'  • 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  85 

The  wight,  that  he  her  ruin  might  effect, 

Evil  report  to  carry  to  the  camp. 

The  tenor  of  his  message  back  was  this  : 

That  with  all  faithfulness  he  had  delivered 

To  her  the  ever-kind  endearing  message, 

Which  she  regarded  not,  but  turned  away 

Her  ears  from  listening  to  her  consort's  words ; 

Deriding  them,  to  answer  caring  not — 

Treating  the  messenger  with  marked  contempt; 

That  she  was  base,  abandoned,  and  inconstant 

In  high  degree — unfaithful  to  her  love, 

And  reprobate  to  all  connubial  ties. 

Nothing  omitted  was  in  this  report, 

Unjust,  untrue,  and  wickedly  contrived 

To  heighten  crime  to  uttermost,  could  serve  ; 

And  make  upon  the  mind  of  him  who  loved  her, 

Too  credulous,  and  easily  provoked, 

Impressions  deepest  of  her  perjured  faith, 

And  lively  sense  of  aggravated  guilt. 

To  poor  'Si-ar-nah's  heart  these  tidings  went, 

For  she  the  centre  was  of  his  affections ; 

On  her  his  heart  was  fixed — on  her  were  placed 

His  highest  hopes  of  bliss.     His  idol  was. 

XIV. 

The  thought  of  what  he'd  lost,  misplaced  affections— 
An  idol  torn  away,  love  disappointed  ; 
Hence,  alienated,  gone,  a  bosom  friend  ; 
These  all,  all  rushing  in  at  once  upon  him, 
Like  towering  waves  of  sea  to  sink  him  low, 
8 


86  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Force  irresistible  could  not  withstand ; 

Like  fall  of  avalanche  to  overwhelm, 

The  sorrows  of  his  soul  did  harrow  up, 

And  raise  his  passions  to  a  fearful  flame, 

So  violent,  that  his  frame  could  ill  endure, 

And  in  a  paroxysm,  or  con  vulsive  fit, 

He  fell  bewildered  to  th'  unconscious  earth. 

He  wallowed  in  the  yellow  sand,  and  rent 

His  garments — tore  his  hair,  and  beat  his  breast. 

When  he  recovered,  he  commanded  those 

That  stood  around,  to  draw  a  bow  and  shoot  him. 

As  none  obeyed  his  voice,  his  sword  he  drew 

Forthwith,  himself  to  slay,  and  do  the  deed 

So  fatal,  which  no  other  would  attempt ; 

Was  in  the  act  to  plunge  the  fatal  dart 

Deep  in  his  bosom,  when  his  good  attendants 

Arrested  him,  and  forced  away  the  blade. 

As  blessings  brighten  as  they  take  their  flight, 

So  did  the  happiness  which  he  had  felt 

In  the  society  of  his  charming  one, 

And  that  which  he  had  long  in  hope  enjoyed, 

Was  by  such  news  augmented  still  the  more ; 

With  relish  more  exquisite  fraught  did  seem, 

Than  e'er  before  by  him  was  realized — 

Much  aggravated  his  excess  of  grief. 

xv. 

Sooner,  a  thousand  times,  he  would  have  followed 
Her  to  the  grave  in  former  loveliness, 
Than  be  astounded  thus  with  such  account 


aufcNES    IN    THE    WEST.  87 

Of  her  surprising  change,  and  fall  from  virtue. 

Much  grieved  he  daily,  suffered  much  by  night, 

In  broken  rest,  and  discomposing  dreams  ; 

Oft  waked  from  such,  as  glad  untrue  to  find, 

To  sense  of  real  woes  that  on  him  lay ; 

Until,  for  broken  vows,  and  kindness  slighted, 

Revenge  had  ta'en  possession  of  his  breast. 

Then  did  his  indignation  pass  control — 

The  flame  of  love,  extinguished  in  his  soul, 

To  hatred,  enmity,  disgust,  had  turned. 

In  exclamation  passionate  and  grievous, 

And  furiously  loud,  he  thus  exclaimed  : 

What  would  I  not  have  done,  to  make  her  blest ' 

Would  sacrificed  my  life,  and  cheerfully 

My  every  comfort,  for  her  happiness  ! 

Nay,  more  !  a  thousand  deaths  in  her  defence 

Would  willingly  have  died.     But  all  is  over  now  ! 

The  die  is  cast !     I'll  see  her  face  no  more  ! 

Ungrateful  wretch  !  go  unto  her,  and  tell, 

Omaint-si-ar-nah's  not  so  much  her  dupe, 

To  grieve  himself  too  much,  and  lay  to  heart 

Her  perfidy.     Nay,  I  will  have  revenge  ! 

A  dire  revenge  for  her  ingratitude, 

And  sweet.     She  shall  not  live  to  see  me  grieve, 

And  lord  it  o'er  my  wounded  feelings  aye  ; 
nsult,  unman  me,  make  me  miserable, 
*Vith  thoughts  of  one  day  seeing  her  scornful  eye 
Turned  on  me.     No,  that  she,  indeed,  shall  not ! 
But  hasten  !  let  her  bleed  !     Cut  off  a  lock 
Of  her  bright  raven  hair,  and  bring  to  me, 

That  I,  upon  the  melancholy  relic, 


BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

May  look,  and  keep  it  ever  consecrate, 

Memorial  constant  of  her  treachery. 

O,  I  could  never  have  believed  her  false  ! 

Unquenchable  as  mine,  I  thought  her  love. 

Great  God  !  that  I  should  be  thus  forced  to  dc 

To  one  that  I  so  greatly  doated  on ! 

Go,  then,  and  execute  the  dread  command, 

And,  of  this  perjured  beauty,  rid  the  land. 

XVI. 

Then  came  the  messenger  of  death,  in  haste 

To  Gentle  Dove,  in  absence  of  her  chaste 

Maternal  parent ;  led  her  to  the  wood, 

Assuring  her,  by  all  that's  greatly  good, 

He  had  a  secret  message  from  her  lord, 

That  good  to  her,  not  evil,  would  afford. 

She  forth  reluctant  went  with  tardy  bound  ; 

An  infant  child  her  arms  enfolded  round. 

Arrived  where  fit  for  purpose  so  malign, 

A  place  where  trees  stood  thick,  and  boughs  etitwine, 

A  place  of  darkness,  and  deep  solitude, 

With  clustering  vines  encircling  the  seclude  ; 

A  covert  far,  hid  from  the  eyes  of  men, 

But  not  from  the  all-seeing,  secret  ken 

Of  the  Almighty,  whose  omniscient  view 

Saw  what  she  suffered,  and  the  future  knew  ; 

Here  told  her,  thus  unfeelingly  beguiled, 

What  he  should  do  to  her,  and  to  her  child. 

Such  were  his  orders  from  the  army  sent, 

And  from  its  chief,  Omaint-si-ar-nah's  tent. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  89 

XVI[. 

Such  message  to  fulfil,  in  duty  bound, 

Charged  with  her  sanguine  blood  to  stain  the  ground, 

For  violated  rites  and  wedded  vows, 

And  alienation  from  her  lawful  spouse. 

And  prone,  in  accents  like  the  serpent  mild, 

He  said  that,  first,  he  should  bereave  the  child. 

Then,  to  confirm  his  sullen  words,  out  flew 

His  scimetar,  a  weapon  shining  new, 

Which  from  his  belted  scabbard  did  suspend, 

Its  short  existence  on  the  earth  to  end  ; 

Which  done,  my  lengthened  tale  e'en  here  had  end, 

And  no  such  tragic  scenes  in  future  blend. 

Now,  Gentle  Dove  shrieked  out,  and  uttered  high 

A  very  bitter,  lamentable  cry ; 

In  great  distress,  not  knowing  what  to  do, 

Beseeching  him  this  course  not  to  pursue, 

But  soothe,  in  some  degree,  a  mother's  pain, 

And  trouble  not  the  child,  till  she  was  slain  ; 

Or  else,  she  twice  must  suffer  pangs  of  d^ath, 

Once  in  her  person,  yielding  up  her  breath, 

And  once,  ere  yet  this  tragedy  begun, 

Compelled  to  see  and  feel  it  in  her  son. 

Some  pity  seemed  to  touch  his  savage  breast  ; 

Thus  far,  he  said,  I  yield  to  your  request. 

Then,  with  his  scimetar  drawn  in  his  hand, 

Approached  to  execute  the  dread  command, 

By  plunging  deep  the  weapon  in  her  breast, 

On  her  evading  person  sorely  pressed. 

She  begged  of  him  :  O,  why  such  haste  in  this  ? 


90  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

To  one  proscribed,  protracted  life  is  blissj/ 

To  heaven,  I  own,  I  should  consign  my  fate  ; 

But  O,  that  heaven  had  fixed  a  longer  date  ! 

Allow  some  moments,  grant  the  sentence  stay, 

And  give  a  wretched  mortal  time  to- pray — 

'Tis  all  I  ask,  and  'tis  within  your  power ; 

Deny  not  this  request  in  my  last  hour. 

Then,  kneeling  down,  to  heaven's  all-ruling  Sire, 

Protesting  her  own  innocence  entire, 

And  uttering  in  His  ear  a  just  complaint, 

To  witness,  calling  every  guardian  saint, 

She  prayed  aloud,  beseeching,  on  her  part, 

That  God  would  soften  her  assassin's  heart. 

Him,  too,  the  bloody  messenger  of  strife, 

She  much  besought  to  spare  her  injured  life. 

Her  prayers  and  tears  some  good  impressions  made. 

On  savage  as  he  was,  and  thus  he  said, 

Relenting  : — if  she  far  in  woods  would  go, 

And  never  more  society  would  know, 

So  all  might  deem  she  earth  no  longer  shared, 

On  such  conditions  should  her  life  be  spared. 

He,  from  her  beauteous  tresses,  all  unbound, 

Would  shear  a  lock,  and  carry  to  the  ground, 

Camp  of  Oma>nt-si-ar-nah,  and  him  tell 

He  had  fulfilled  what  was  commanded  well, 

Concerning  her  :  then  peaceably  withdrew, 

Left  her  a  wandering  journey  to  pursue, 

And  bore  away  triumphantly  to  tell 

His  duty  done,  how  Nit-o-me-ma  fell. 

Meanwhile,  within  her  folding  arms  her  child, 

She  wandered  comfortless  through  wood  and  wild. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  91 

Till  Phoebus  from  the  heavens  withdrew  his  light, 
And  spread  o'er  earth  the  shady  veil  of  night. 
To  be  involved  in  darkness  earth  began, 
But  nature,  studious  of  the  wants  of  man, 
With  softer  lights  had  well  supplied  the  place, 
The  burning  radiance  of  bright  Phoebus'  face. 


XVIII. 

Under  the  open  canopy  of  heaven, 
Did  she  repose  that  memorable  night, 
Supperless.     There  heard  among  the  crash  of  twigs 
And  rustling  leaves,  the  trampling  of  wild  beasts ; 
The  howl  of  wolves,  that  through  the  forest  dark 
Prowled  for  their  prey  with  fierce,  devouring  jaws. 
The  mournful  noise  of  screech-owl,  solemn  bird  ; 
The  wild-cat's  fiercer  growl,  the  whip-poor-will — 
The  lowing  of  the  buffalo  for  her  young  ; 
The  panther's  scream  from  forest  depths  upflung , 
The  echoing  voice  of  savage  beasts  of  prey, 
And  bark  of  fox,  more  cunning  than  the  rest. 
But  none  were  there  permitted  to  approach, 
Or  touch  one  hair  so  sacred  of  her  head. 
The  stars  shone  bright ;   but  few  or  none  could  pierce 
The  matted  branches,  and  the  trees'  tall  tops, 
That  stood  so  thick  around.     Thick  darkness  there 
Sat  brooding  o'er.     No  moon,  with  cheerful  beams, 
Rode  high  in  heaven  with  soft  refulgent  light, 
To  pierce  the  thicket  through  that  gloomy  night, 
Vnd  kiss  the  cheek  of  innocence  and  boauty. 


92  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

XIX. 

A  night  of  awful  terror  and  suspense 

To  Gentle  Dove.     Her  hours  were  wakeful  all. 

T'  afford  the  least  forgetfulness  of  sorrow, 

Balmy  refreshment  yielding,  dewy  sleep 

On  her  affrighted  eye-lids,  there  sat  not, 

Oblivion's  charm  a  moment  to  indulge. 

Of  all  mankind  forsaken — not  a  friend, 

Save  the  Almighty,  now  the  only  refuge 

Of  her  dear,  hapless  offspring,  and  herself. 

Unto  the  Throne  of  Grace  ascended  prayers 

Constant  and  fervent,  for  an  aid  divine  ; 

Until  Aurora,  harbinger  of  day, 

Bright  in  the  east  appeared ;  when,  recommending 

To  care  Omnipotence  herself  anew, 

She  rose,  (so  did  the  sun,)  and  travelled  on 

Her  way  into  the  forest  dense  and  deep. 


xx. 

The  gentle  spring  had  come,  and  clothed  the  earth 

With  a  green  robe,  both  beautiful  and  fair. 

The  morning  ushered  in  a  pleasant  day 

Of  sunshine,  in  the  merry  month  of  May. 

The  trees  had  budded,  some  their  tender  leaves 

Already  had  put  forth,  not  yet  full  grown ; 

To  wit :  the  maple,  and  the  aspen  tall. 

On  these  were  often  seen  the  raven  perched, 

With  shining  plumes,  the  partridge,  speckled  hen, 

Woodpecker  busy,  turkey  wild,  and  large. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  93 

Deer,  in  herds,  feeding  on  the  new-grown  grass — 
Others  in  open  glades  were  lying  down, 
And  basking  in  the  sun.     All  which,  away 
Did  nimbly  scamper,  at  her  near  approach. 
Here  various  flowers,  and  all  of  differing  hues, 
The  loveliest  children  of  their  mother  earth, 
Had  sprung  up  wild,  in  rich  profusion  round, 
Embalming  oft  the  air  with  their  sweet  fragrance  ; 
The  pathless  forest  beautifying  much, 
And  underneath  her  feet  a  carpet  spreading, 
With  texture  woven  by  Nature's  artless  hand. 

XXI. 

Such  scenes  at  other  times  her  soul  had  charmed, 
Their  customary  pleasure  failed  t'  afford, 
And  to  her  troubled  mind  could  give  no  rest, 
Or  satisfy  keen  hunger's  stern  demands, 
Which  she  now  felt.     Moreover,  seemed  she  now 
Threatened  destruction  from  another  quarter. 
To  blow  tremendously  the  wind  began, 
Toward  eve  increasing  to  a  hurricane. 
Old  forest-trees,  of  size  and  bulk  extreme, 
With  giant  trunks,  for  centuries  there  had  stood, 
Moved  by  Almighty  power,  with  roots  uptorn, 
For  the  last  time  contending  with  the  gale, 
Descended  to  the  earth  on  every  side — 

XXII. 

Fell  with  a  mighty  crashing  sound, 
That  deeply  shook  the  solid  ground. 


94  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

She  travelled  on,  depressed  in  mind, 
Nor  scarcely  dared  to  look  behind, 
For  fear  the  fall  of  some  large  tree 
Some  beast  in  his  approach  might  be. 

Sometimes  walking,  often  sighing, 
Sometimes  running,  sometimes  crying. 

The  trees  bowed  reverently  down, 
Of  some  the  gale  bereft  a  crown  ; 
Others  waved  violently  their  crests, 
The  birds  were  driven  from  their  nests. 
She  weary  leaned  against  a  tree, 
A  hissing  serpent  thence  did  flee. 
The  whistling  gale  still  swept  along, 
Nought  but  its  voice  supplied  the  song. 
Here  all  was  dismal,  dark  and  dreary, 
No  cordials  for  the  faint  and  weary ; 
Nor  could  she  here  repress  the  dread 
Of  vapory  phantoms  of  the  dead, 
As  by  old  legends  had  been  taught, 
With  credit  and  with  horror  fraught. 

XXIII. 

Now,  ere  black  night  had  spread  her  sable  curtain, 
With  darkness  deep  that  wood  to  cover  o'er, 
Dear  Gentle  Dove  had  travelled  many  miles 
Far  in  the  forest  deep,  where  she  now  found 
A  tree  of  bulging  mood,  and  hollow  trunk, 
A  room  in  size,  quite  spacious  at  the  foot, 
Low  down ;  appearing  to  have  been  the  den 


SCENES    IX    THE    WEST.  95 

Of  bear  or  wolf,  or  large  carnivorous  beast, 
That  once  existed  here,  but  now  extinct ; 
For,  found  about  the  cave  were  many  bones. 
Without,  within,  and  scattered  far  around — 
Its  entrance  was  in  size  a  small-marked  door, 
Into  this  cave  she  entered,  took  possession, 
As  of  a  place  of  refuge  from  wild  beasts, 
And  shelter  from  invading  storms  that  come. 
Here  she  for  several  days  and  nights  remained, 
Fasting  the  while,  and  spent  the  time  in  prayer ; 
Hence,  supernatural  is  her  preservation. 
Look  not  on  her  forsaken  as  of  God  ! 
As  one  whose  prayers  reach  not  the  Holy  Virgin, 
And  not  by  her  presented  to  her  Son  ! 
But  ponder  in  thy  mind,  behold  in  faith  ! 
The  miracles  for  her  deliverance  wrought ! 

XXIV. 

For  lo  !  as  kneeling  there  profound, 

Engaged  in  prayer,  she  heard  the  sound 

Of  something  wonderful  without, 

Which  prompted  her  to  look  about. 

Unearthly  rapping  at  the  door, 

Such  as  she  never  heard  before ; 

And,  too,  a  sweet  melodious  voice, 

As  though  an  angel,  to  rejoice 

Her  soul,  had  come  with  heavenly  sound, 

To  visit  that  enchanted  ground. 

Divine  musician  !  work  of  art 

Could  never  thus  have  moved  her  heart, 


96  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

And  winged  her  passions  !     Up  she  rose, 

And  quickly  to  the  opening  goes  ; 

Renouncing  straight  her  dread  surprise, 

To  heaven  she  raised  her  tearful  eyes, 

And  the  first  happy  look  she  gave, 

She  saw  on  high,  above  the  cave, 

All  bright,  and  luminous  and  fair, 

The  promised  star  suspended  there, 

A  voice  of  heavenly  sweetness  low, 

Unlike  to  mortal  tongues  below, 

Said — Daughter,  of  good  courage  be, 

For  Jesus  Christ  sustaineth  thee  ! 

To  be  thy  guide  has  sent  this  star, 

Bids  follow  where  it  leadeth  far ; 

Corn,  milk  and  honey  thou  shalt  find, 

And  what  will  ease  a  troubled  mind. 

Obeyed  the  heavenly  voice,  went  forth, 

With  her  sweet  babe,  and  journeyed  north. 

The  star  she  had  not  followed  long, 

Ere  it  did  linger  down  among 

The  tops  of  trees,  until  it  stood, 

Above  an  oak  of  bulging  mood  ; 

Whose  top  was  low,  whose  trunk  was  wide, 

And  had  an  opening  in  its  side, 

Which  yawned  low  down,  and  near  the  ground — 

This  tree  she  full  of  honey  found. 

'Twas  now  her  tears  of  joy  found  vent ; 

A  hearty  Te  Deum  up  sent. 

She  knew  the  honey  to  her  given, 

The  promised  sustenance  from  heaven  ; 

The  wants  of  hunger  to  supply, 

An  earnest  that  she  should  not  die. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST. 

She  broke  and  ate  the  precious  store, 
Till  she  and  babe  could  eat  no  more ; 
Then  took  what  she  could  carry  home, 
Large  pieces  of  the  honey-comb; 
The  widow's  cruse  was  never  dried, 
Her  scanty  morsel  multiplied  ; 
And  for  the  prophet  of  the  Lord, 
'Midst  famine  spread  a  bounteous  board. 

XXV. 

Elijah  was  by  ravens  fed, 
And  she  a  life  as  pious  led  ; 
For  he  had  passions,  various  wit, 
Like  ours ;  we  leave  to  holy  writ. 
What  marvel,  then,  if  she  should  be, 
In  such  a  like  extremity, 
Fed  thus,  or  otherwise  preserved, 
By  sovereign  mercy,  whom  she  served  ? 
She  turned  her  eye — her  guide  was  gone  ; 
But,  looking  forward,  o'er  a  lawn, 
Again  she  saw  it  settling  there, 
Yet  still  suspended  high  in  air, 
Above  a  spacious  opening  glade, 
Which  herding  buffalo  had  made, 
In  ancient  day,  their  stamping-ground, 
Though  now  the  place  did  not  resound 
With  their  loud  low,  grown  scarce  and  gone. 
Here,  grazing  on  this  beauteous  lawn, 
Amidst  this  fair  deserted  ground, 
A  female  buffalo  she  found. 
9 


98  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 

Attended  by  its  young  it  fed  ; 
As  she  approached,  it  raised  its  head, 
And  cast  on  her  complacent  eyes  ; 
Not  with  that  feeling  of  surprise 
Such  creatures  fain  are  wont  to  show, 
When  first  the  human  form  they  know  ; 
Fast  scampering  off  like  fleetest  hind, 
That  almost  1'eaves  the  wind  behind  ; 
But,  inly  feeling  there  no  harm, 
Was  held  by  some  celestial  charm — 
Made  conscious  of  its  course  by  heaven, 
At  once  submitted  to  be  driven 
Quite  home,  and  udders  drained,  became 
Domesticated,  kind  and  tame. 

XXVI. 

Next  day,  unto  the  opening  glade 
Another  visit  longer  made, 
And  walking  through,  in  all  her  range, 
Beheld  what  was  surprising  strange — 
The  promised  corn  all,  springing  there, 
Already  standing  high  and  fair;  ^ 
And  all  about  th'  adjoining  ground, 
Crab-apples,  fruits  and  berries  found  ; 
And  curling  vines  ascending  high, 
The  lofty  trees  the  forest  nigh — 
Grape  clusters  hanging  high  and  low, 
And  plums ;  all  these  in  embryo, 
She  gathered  in  their  season,  dried, 
For  timely  using  laid  aside. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST. 

The  corn  she  ate  when  yet  'twas  green, 
And  when  its  hanging  ears  were  seen, 
All  ripe  and  gold-like,  yellowed  o'er, 
She  gathered,  and  laid  up  in  store* 
Nor  did  she  farther  distant  roam, 
But  filled  her  hand  with  honey-comb, 
Unto  her  cavern  straight  returned ; 
Her  heart  with  grateful  passion  burned, 
And  regular  as  the  sun  of  morn, 
Oft  as  its  beams  the  eve  adorn, 
The  praise  of  God  inspired  her  tongue, 
And,  as  she  gloried,  thus  she  sung  : — 

SONG. 

Raise  thee,  my  soul,  with  all  thy  powers, 

To  God  a  grateful  song  ! 
Thine  incense  sweet  ascend  these  bowers, 

To  whom  thy  powers  belong. 

For  he  nath  brought  salvation  down, 

To  bless  thy  darkest  day, 
When  cruel  death,  with  sullen  frown, 

Had  marked  me  for  his  prey. 

When  friends  forsook  me,  then  I  said 
The  Lord  will  hear  my  voice  ; 

I  sought  him,  when  my  comforts  fled, 
He  bade  my  soul  rejoice. 

He  feeds  the  hungry,  starving  souls, 
Their  bread  and  water's  sure, 


100  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

His  bounty  corn  and  wine  supplies, 
And  honey  will  procure. 

Since,  from  the  grave  my  soul  did  raise, 

My  foes  did  much  condemn, 
For  evermore  will  laud  his  praise, 
The  Star  of  Bethlehem. 


XXVII. 

And  need  we  name  the  horrors  of  her  mind  I 
Imagination  lent  its  aid  to  fear ; 
For  frequent  were  the  dismal  storms  shot  down 
Over  that  lone  and  solitary  place, 
More  awful  rendered,  'cause  she  was  alone. 
And  brooding  darkness  oft  sat  o'er  the  place ; 
Oft  blackening  clouds  hung  over  it,  and  frowned. 
The  fountains  opened,  rain  and  hail  descended  ; 
The  firmament  of  heaven  loud  thunders  shook  ; 
Along  the  sky  the  forked  lightning  flashed, 
And  set  the  element  below  on  fire  ; 
Rending,  in  shattered  pieces,  largest  oaks, 
Scattering  the  woody  fragments  far  and  wide  ; 
Causing  the  cave,  wherein  she  dwelt,  to  tremble. 
Beasts  of  the  forest,  too,  lurked  round  the  place ; 
The  wood  resounded  with  their  frequent  howls. 
And  often,  too,  a  savage  bear  there  came  ; 
Raising  himself,  as  he  approached  the  cave, 
He  looked  within,  as  though  inclined  to  enter. 
With  looks  of  horror  and  despair,  the  mother 
Clasped  her  child  more  closely  to  her  side  ; 


SCENES    IN    THE    WE9T.I  »  V    j 

The  infant  babe,  in  innocence,  Ippk^d  in  •    .  :.• 

Her  face  and  smiled.     She  knelt  in  prayer  to  Him 

Who  in  that  hour  of  need  alone  could  save. 

When  in  the  attitude  of  fervent  prayer, 

Her  visitant  unwelcome,  silent  stood, 

As  though  quite  conscious  of  her  sore  distress — 

By  pity  moved,  approached  not ;  but  would  stand 

With  listening  ears,  attentive  to  her  words. 

Struck  with  a  ceremony  so  sublime, 

So  solemn  and  impressive  as  it  was — 

Awed  into  reverence  by  such  piety 

And  fervent  supplication,  he  did  seem 

The  house  of  prayer  unwilling  to  disturb, 

And  sacred  worship  of  the  living  God — 

Left  them  in  silence,  and  returned  no  more. 

XXVIII. 

She  now  conceived  could  she  but  kindle  fire 
At  the  cave's  mouth,  it  would  not  only  be 
Protection  'gainst  the  cold  inclement  weather, 
But  prove  a  means  to  keep  wild  beasts  away. 
But  yet  this  boon  from  heaven  she'd  not  received ; 
And  how  she  should  obtain  it  did  not  know, 
For  steel,  or  match,  or  tinder,  she  had  none ; 
Became  alarmed,  began  to  entertain 
Doubts,  and  much  serious  fear,  that  heaven,  although 
In  mercy  corn  and  honey,  milk,  had  given, 
In  bounteous  stores,  yet  was  she,  even  now, 
In  wretched  state,  forlorn,  and  danger  great, 
Of  perishing  by  cold,  or  by  wild  beasts. 
9* 


,02 


* 

BLACK    HAWK,    AND 


e  she,  p^rpldxed,  still  pondered  on  these  things, 
Bewildered  much,  not  knowing  what  to  do, 
And  seeking  oft  in  prayer,  for  aid  divine, 
Behold  !  a  violent  thunder-storm  arose. 
'Twas  darkness  all,  save  when  the  lightning's  glare 
Showed,  by  her  posture,  that  she  was  in  prayer. 

XXIX. 

A  sudden  flash  caused  the  whole  heavens  to  glow, 

And  set  on  fire  the  elements  below  ; 

Followed  by  peal  of  thunder  so  tremendous — 

So  sudden,  and  so  awful,  it  did  make 

The  earth's  foundation  to  its  centre  shake, 

And  smote  a  tree  hard  by  her  dwelling-place, 

Kindling  a  fire  which  did  consume  it  there. 

She,  looking  up,  beheld  the  tree  on  fire, 

And  raised  her  eye  to  heaven's  all-ruling  Sire  ; 

And  in  the  sky  above  beheld  the  sign, 

The  sacred  impress  of  the  hand  divine  : 

The  promised  light  suspended  there, 
All  luminous,  and  bright,  and  fair ; 
And  that  it  did  in  crosses  lighten, 
'Twas  then  her  hopes  began  to  brighten. 

By  this  she  knew  the  fire  was  sent  for  her, 

In  answer  to  her  prayers  for  aid  divine. 

In  grateful  adoration  she  exclaimed, 

O  holy  star !  my  comforter  and  guide 

In  every  season  of  adversity  ! 

Thy  approach  in  awful  grandeur  I  do  hail ! 

Not  as  portentous  comet,  threatening  war, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  103 

And  pending  ruin,  but  with  joy  immense  ; 
For  nought  but  good  to  me  thy  presence  brings  ! 
She  went  unto  the  tree,  and  took  thereof, 
And  kindled  there  a  fire,  which  went  not  out  , 
And  after  this,  she  suffered  not  with  fear, 
Nor  was  she  more  disturbed  by  beasts  of  prey. 


XXX. 

Of  all  utensils  household,  destitute, 

Each  useful  article  of  furniture, 

In  making  such  as  stood  she  most  in  need 

Most  absolute,  she  found  an  ample  scope 

For  exercise  of  her  inventive  powers. 

Among  the  various  articles  she  made, 

Was  mortar,  fine  for  pounding  out  her  corn ; 

Which  cost  great  labor,  deal  of  time  and  patience. 

This  from  a  tree  which  lay  beside  the  cave, 

A  circumstance,  for  her  quite  providential, 

Did  she  burn  out,  and  made  it  fit  for  use. 

Some  of  her  corn  she  parched,  and  ate  with  milk, 

Some  pounded  fine,  and  made  it  into  cakes  ; 

Which  she  first  baked  before  the  fire  on  bark 

Was  smooth,  and  answered  well,  until  her  genius 

Found  something  better  out,  and  ate  with  honey. 

Corn,  altogether,  sometimes  would  omit, 

Alone  of  milk  and  honey  make  a  meal ; 

And  we  must  tell  you,  also,  how  she  came 

To  be  possessed  of  crockery,  hollow-ware  ; 

For  this  of  course  you  know  she  must  have  needed. 

These  from  a  kind  of  stiff  blue  clay  she  made, 


k 


104  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Found  in  a  hill-side,  where  the  water  oozed  ; 

Whose  green-tuffed  crest  with  shrubbery  rich  was  crowned, 

While  on  its  side-long  cliffs  were  barren  ground. 

A  level  plain  appeared  about  its  base, 

Sol  burnished  with  his  earliest  beam  the  place. 

XXXI. 

These  with  her  hands  to  well-shaped  dishes  moulded, 

And  dried  them  in  the  shade  quite  thoroughly, 

And  baked  them  in  a  furnace  of  her  own  ; 

And  they  did  answer  her  a  purpose  good. 

The  female  buffalo  grew  quite  soon  so  tame, 

It  would  approach  her  of  its  own  accord, 

And  lick  her  hand.     So  much  attached  it  grew 

Unto  its  mistress,  for  her  gifts  humane, 

That  out  of  sight  of  her  'twould  scarcely  go  ; 

Fed  constant  near  the  cave,  no  farther  going 

Than  to  the  lawn,  or  ancient  stamping-ground. 

During  her  stay  here,  it  increased  a  herd. 

k°v?  whose  name  was  Namah,  grew, 


*->  ,       Could  drive  and  fetch  them  for  his  parent  kind. 
He  was  a  generous,  noble  -hearted  boy, 
His  mother's  only  hope,  her  pride  and  joy  — 
Bright  and  intelligent,  and  as  he  did 

&  f 

Partake  much  of  her  pious  disposition, 

And  sweetness,  was  a  source  of  comfort  to  her. 


p  , 

*^ 


XXXII. 

Having  resided  here  a  length  of  time, 
To  covet  meat  began.     The  use  of  which 


8CEXES    IN    THE    WEST.  105 

She'd  ever  been  accustomed,  childhood  up. 
As  the  chief  staple  food,  and  staff  of  life. 
Already  gone  long  time  without,  became 
A  sovereign  want,  and  longing  to  indulge, 
Putting  invention  to  the  rack,  to  find 
Some  certain  method  to  obtain  this  boon. 
The  best  and  only  method  she  devised, 
Was  to  ensnare.     To  this  end  built  a  hedge, 
Or  fence  of  sticks  and  brush,  and  down-fallen  wood, 
To  stop  small  animals  in  their  daily  walks — 
No  matter  for  the  want  of  symmetry. 
At  intervals,  an  opening  small  she  left, 
Or  gateway  in  the  hedge,  and  set  a  snare, 
Made  from  the  bushy  tail  of  buffalo. 
In  this  hedge,  furlongs  four  or  more  in  length, 
Which  more  than  fifty  snare-gates  in  it  had — 
Much  time  in  its  construction  occupying, 
During  the  first  and  second  years,  were  caught 
Wild  turkeys,  pigeons,  prairie-hens,  and  quails, 
Rabbits,  dry  meat,  and  partridges  profuse— 
Of  squirrels  nimble,  oft  ate  off  the  noose  ; 
Yielding  a  bountiful  supply  some  time. 
But  after  second  year,  and  numbers  caught, 
Those  of  that  species,  as  by  instinct  led, 
Or  warned  of  danger,  did  avoid  the  hedge ; 
The  snare-gates  'specially,  or  flying  o'er, 
Or  going  around  them,  fearing  threatened  death  ; 
So  that  this  mode  of  gaining  oft  supplies, 
So  full  of  promise  first,  failed  in  the  end  ; 
And  most  the  snares  in  gates  becoming  broken, 
The  hedge  was  left  to  fall  into  decay, 
As  mortal  man  must  fall  another  way  j 


106  fttACK    HAWtf,    AND 

Who  have  as  short  a  time,  a  moment's  space, 
And  with  the  king  of  terrors  find  no  grace. 


XXXIII. 

With  a  desire  intense  she  fain  would  slay, 

And  dress  and  eat  the  calves  of  buffalo. 

These  from  the  herd  a  full  supply  would  yield ; 

But  how,  without  a  hatchet  or  a  knife, 

Some  instrument  sharp-edged,  could  she  do  this  ? 

About  this  time,  four  years  in  this  dense  forest, 

Without  being  seen  by  any  human  form, 

Except  her  little  boy,  a  melancholy 

Event  occurred.     For,  wandering  out  the  way 

Farther  than  usual,  in  pursuit  of  fruit 

And  berries,  accidentally  lost  the  path. 

Before  aware,  the  sun,  her  only  guide, 

By  which  to  shape  her  course,  his  beams  withdrew, 

And  lay  concealed  behind  a  bank  of  clouds. 

Fast  as  she  could,  she  travelled  all  that  day, 

Walking,  and  running  much  with  all  her  might, 

On  towards  her  cave  direct,  as  she  supposed ; 

Spurred  on  by  fear,  that  overshadowing  night 

Would  lower,  ere  she  the  destined  port  could  reach- 

Her  once  again,  in  open  wood  compel, 

Weather  inclement,  furious  beasts  around, 

To  danger  of  assaults  herself  expose. 

Howe'er,  as  He  who  rules  above  ordained, 

It  happened,  ere  the  king  of  day  went  down, 

She  crossed  her  cabin,  to  her  great  relief 

And  joy,  but  much  fatigued  by  this  mishap, 

Which  wrought  so  heavily  upon  her  mind, 


SCfeNES    IN    THE    WEST.  lO't 

And  bodily  strength  so  much  did  overcome, 
That  she  fell  sick,  with  inward  fever  parched  ; 
Nor  went  she  out  the  cave  for  several  weeks, 
By  o'er  exertion  great,  so  much  impaired. 

XXXIV. 

But  yet,  e'en  this  distressing  circumstance, 

Without  its  own  advantages  came  not. 

For  in  her  wayward  journey  through  the  wood, 

Beneath  the  earth  and  yellow  leaves,  she  found 

Decayed,  but  remnant  seen,  an  Indian's  belt, 

In  which  did  lay  his  knife  and  tomahawk, 

Rusty  all  o'er,  been  lost  for  many  years. 

She  saw,  too,  in  this  place,  the  Indian's  bones, 

Slain  in  some  former  war,  as  she  supposed, 

And  by  his  red  relations  never  found, 

But  overlooked,  unburied  left  to  lie. 

The  knife  and  hatchet  were  of  service  to  her, 

Incalculable.     Scouring  off  the  rust, 

So  many  years  on  them  accumulating, 

She  sharpened  them  on  stones,  a  tedious  work. 

With  these,  enabled  was  to  kill  and  dress 

Her  buffalo  calves,  for  food.     And  this  she  did. 

XXXV. 

And  what  she  did  not  need  at  first, 

To  satisfy  desire, 
Cut  up  in  pieces  thin,  and  dried, 

And  smoked  it  o'er  the  fire — 


108  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Upon  a  scaffold,  made  of  poles, 

As  Indian  customs  serve, 
For  she,  or  they,  ne'er  used  the  salt, 

Their  viands  to  preserve. 

The  first  she  ate  was  sweeter  far, 
Unto  her  taste,  than  honey  ; 

O,  such  a  treat,  and  such  sweet  meat, 
Were  never  bought  with  money  ! 

Full  seven  long  years  she  now  had  been, 
Here,  in  this  lonely  place, 

No  human  being  had  she  seen 
Show  there  a  smiling  face. 

Corn  annual  yielded  its  increase, 

Her  honey  lasted  still, 
And  faithfully  the  Virgin  did 

Her  promises  fulfil. 

And,  regular  as  the  sun  of  morn 

Shed  his  reviving  rays, 
Upon  that  place,  both  morn  and  eve, 

To  heaven  she  chanted  praise. 

XXXVI. 

Omaint-si-ar-nah,  credulous  too  much, 
Soon  to  return  unto  his  native  home, 
And  that  of  his  dear  Gentle  Dove,  cared  not. 
Full  well  he  knew  the  sight  thereof  would  call 
Up  in  his  mind  scenes  that  would  trouble  him  ; 
So  many  things  by  them  enjoyed  in  common, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  109 

'Twould  tend  his  sorrows  greatly  to  increase, 
And  melt  and  break  a  heart  already  broken. 
E'en  absent,  these  upon  his  recollections 
Intruded  oft,  and  were  appalling  to  him  ; 
And,  when  he  thought  thereon,  he  wept  full  sore, 
For  he  had  loved  her.     She  his  idol  was  : 
Therefore,  he  stayed  from  thence  for  several  years, 
And  sought  to  drown  his  melancholy  grief, 
In  sweet  forgetfulness  of  what  had  passed. 

At  length  returned  unto  the  home,  unhappy, 
Of  Gentle  Dove.     Her  mother  now  no  more, 
Cabin  removed,  and  feeling  discontent, 
Walked  solitary  round  about  the  wood, 
Through  all  the  groves  and  places  of  resort, 
And  rambling,  where  himself  and  Gentle  Dove 
Had  wandered  oft,  and  promenaded  once 
Together,  sweet  conversing  on  all  things 
That  gave  each  other  mutual  delight ; 
While  each  was  by  no  other  feelings  moved, 
Than  virtue  doth  elicit,  and  where  they 
Had  whiled  the  happy  hours  away  of  love  ; 
Had  sat  on  banks  along  the  purling  tide, 
Among  the  flowers  so  gay  that  grew  beside, 
And  ate  wild  fruits  and  berries  they  had  found, 
While  sportive  joys  their  pure  devotion  crowned. 

XXXVII. 

In  anguish  of  his  heart  he  loud  exclaimed  : — 
O,  that  she  had  but  innocent  remained ! 
10 


110  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

I'd  given  the  world  itself  to  had  it  so  ! 

This  is,  to  me,  the  filling  up  of  wo  ! 

Who  would  have  thought  that  she  could  thus  have  changed! 

Thus  to  her  faithful  worshipper  estranged  ? 

O,  what  a  fall  from  heaven  !  too  great  to  name, 

To  degradation,  guilt,  and  open  shame  ! 

Impossible  !  O,  this  does  seem  unlike — 
And,  as  he  spake,  his  tears  flowed  copious  down 
His  sorrowful,  and  pallid,  care-worn  cheeks. 
Thus  he  soliloquized  :  all  I  have  seen, 
Daughters  of  men  among,  none  ever  seemed 
So  lovely  in  mine  eyes,  or  pleased  so  well, 
As  thou,  my  charming  Nit-o-me-ma,  didst. 
Indeed,  I  do  believe,  might  search  through  all — 

Through  all  the  tribes,  from  Mississippi's  head, 
To  where  in  Mexic's  gulf  he  makes  his  bed, 
Through  lands,  whose  waters  swell  th'  unbounded  sea, 
And  never  find  thine  equal,  one  like  thee  ! 

XXXVIII. 

To  hope  it,  or  to  try,  would  be  in  vain  ! 
Thy  beauty  was  exquisite,  sweet  thy  voice, 
Thy  form  was  elegant  in  high  degree, 
In  manners  graceful,  in  deportment  rare, 
Intelligent,  kind-hearted,  condescending, 
And  disposition  better,  World  defied  ! 
Did  all  who  knew,  admire  thee  ?     So  did  I, 
Poor,  miserable,  weak,  heart-broken  chief! 
Loved  thee,  in  truth,  above  all  other  objects  ! 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  Ill 

For  all  in  woman,  noble  and  desired, 
Was  found  in  thee,  in  absolute  perfection. 
The  new  religion,  taught  thee  by  Marquette, 
The  hidden  mysteries  of  that  holy  cross, 
In  which  thou  didst  believe  and  understand, 
Though  I  could  not ;  yet  it  did  render  thee 
Still  more  attractive — and  in  thy  devotions, 
Thou  didst  resemble  much  an  angel  bright. 
But  how  such  goodness  could  degenerate, 
And  fall,  and  turn  to  evil  at  the  last, 
Is  mystery  I  can  never  understand  ; 
Which,  sure,  a  revelation  must  require, 
From  ghosts  of  souls  departed,  to  unfold  ! 


XXXIX. 

I've  strove  to  drive  thee  from  my  thoughts, 

And  wandered,  lovely  dame, 
To  drown,  in  sweet  forgetfulness, 

The  memory  of  thy  name. 

'Tis  vain  ;  the  pangs  of  holy  love 

Can  never  be  effaced, 
The  lovely  form  seems  lovely  still, 

By  whatsoe'er  disgraced. 

With  all  thy  faults  adore  thee  still, 

And  ever  more  shall  love  ; 
This  dooms  me,  while  I  live,  a  wretch, 

Shut  out  from  thee,  my  Dove ! 


112  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

XL. 

Their  groves  and  former  haunts  he  much  frequents, 

Where  they,  for  pastime,  oft  in  exercise 

Of  hieroglyphic  writing,  had  themselves, 

By  carving  on  the  trunks  of  standing  trees, 

Amused.     They  had  invented,  of  their  own, 

Signs  of  ideas,  to  others  quite  unknown  ; 

But  which  themselves  did  fully  understand, 

Which  on  a  beach's  trunk  did  first  engrave, 

Whose  thick  and  spreading  boughs  them  umbrage  gave. 

From  Phoebus'  burning  beam.    These  afterwards, 

On  various  trees  adjoining,  they  did  carve  ; 

Until,  by  practice  in  this  pleasing  art, 

Of  pictural  correspondence  'tween  themselves, 

Skilful  became.     Engraven  here,  he  saw, 

In  characters  he  fully  understood, 

And  in  the  well-known  hand  of  Gentle  Dove, 

What,  by  the  era,  he  perceived  was  written, 

Time  after  his  departure  to  the  war, 

To  him  inscribed.     Inspection  more  minute 

Unfolded  mysteries  of  a  woful  truth, 

How  she  had  been  maltreated,  and  abused, 

Slandered,  betrayed  to  death  by  Que-la-wah 

Most  infamous.     'Twas  read  and  understood. 

Conviction  flashed  upon  him,  overwhelming, 

At  this  amazing  new  discovery. 

He  now  believed  and  felt  her  innocent. 

Remorse  and  raging  grief  seized  on  his  vitals ; 

His  hair  and  garments  rent,  his  breast  he  beat 

With  violence,  and  fell  down  as  in  a  swoon — 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST.  113 

Rolled  on  the  ground,  in  his  distress  extreme, 

And  agony  of  soul.     This  dreadful  night, 

No  balmy  slumbers  visited  his  couch  ; 

No  drowsy  sleep  sat  on  his  wakeful  eye-lids, 

Distilling  soporiferous  dews,  to  drown 

His  pungent  sorrows  in  forgetfulness, 

One  moment  to  afford  oblivion  sweet. 

He  rose  not  up  that  night,  nor  left  the  place : 

But  passed  it  there  in  sighs,  and  groans  and  tears. 

Sometimes  in  boisterous  tones  his  feelings  vent, 

In  hideous  howlings  would  so  loud  lament, 

The  whole  great  forest  echoed  to  the  sound, 

As  though  a  lion  sent  his  voice  around. 

XLI. 

'Twas  dark  and  dismal  ;  stars  could  not  this  night 
Pierce  that  dense  atmosphere  of  clouds  with  light. 
No  moon  was  there  to  chase  away  the  gloom, 
Beasts  of  the  forest  leave  their  lairs  to  roam, 
And  range  abroad  for  prey,  as  nightly  thieves  ; 
Noise  of  their  footsteps,  rustling  of  the  leaves, 
And  crackling  sound  of  twigs,  is  on  the  ear  : 
Who  tell,  what  dangerous  beast  might  not  appear  ? 

XLII. 

The  echoing  sound  of  their  wild  voices  hoarse, 
Distinctly  heard,  expressive  of  their  feelings — 
Ideas  to  their  own  species  would  convey, 
Their  kind  revealed.     For  signs,  and  language,  too, 
10* 


114  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 

All  animals  have :  have  each  a  dialect 

Peculiar  to  themselves,  well  understood. 

But  'mong  all  languages  and  dialects 

By  different  nations  spoken,  nought  was  heard, 

Save  voice  of  murder,  robbery,  arid  rapine  ; 

Here  were  no  soothing  words  for  one  distressed, 

Nor  sympathizing  language  here  sent  up 

By  any  of  the  beastly  throng,  save  one — 

This  was  Omaint-si-ar-nah's  faithful  dog. 

He,  the  affectionate  creature,  took  a  deep 

And  vital  interest  in  all  things  that  passed, 

That  his  afflicted  master  did  concern  ; 

Felt  as  he  felt,  or  so  did  seem  to  feel, 

And  to  partake  of  all  his  sore  distress  , 

Did  all  he  could  to  soothe  and  share  his  wo — 

Though  he  could  not  have  known  the  cause  exact, 

Yet  did  he  raise  a  loud  and  doleful  cry, 

And  answered  howl  for  howl,  the  live- long  night. 

XLIII. 

Now,  in  this  place,  'tis  proper  to  observe, 
'Mong  Indians,  when  a  murder  is  committed, 
The  nearest  kinsman's  duty  it  becomes 
T'  avenge  the  death,  and  slay  the  murderer, 
When,  and  wherever  he  can  overtake  him — 
Their  mode  of  doing  justice  in  such  case. 
Therefore,  pursuant  to  this  custom  good, 
When  morn  had  come,  and  first  impulse  of  grief 
Was  o'er — its  raging  billows  some  subsiding, 
Omaint-si-ar-nah  rose,  and  armed  himself, 


SCENES   IN   THE    WEST.  115 

And  went  in  dire  pursuit  of  Que-la-wah. 

Not  far  from  his  own  wigwam  chanced  to  meet, 

Gathering  some  sticks  to  make  his  morning  fire. 

Unconscious  of  his  fate,  and  unapprized 

Of  any  evil,  dangerous  foe's  approach, 

Without  his  arms,  this  morn  had  ventured  out. 

Omaint-si-ar-nah,  soon  as  he  drew  near, 

Unceremonious  quite,  accosted  him  : 

Ho !  son  of  violence,  fraud,  and  blood  !  'La-wah ! 

To  be  my  foulest  foe  !  I've  found  thee  out ! 

Whom  I  did  trust  as  guardian  of  my  wife, 

Art  thou,  thyself,  the  murderer  of  my  wife ! 

Yea,  hast  destroyed  her — she,  my  soul's  delight. 

E'en  Nit-o-me-ma,  virtuous  and  good — 

The  best  and  loveliest  woman  ever  graced 

The  land  of  Sacs  ;  betrayed  her  to  her  death, 

By  your  malicious  falsehoods  palmed  on  me  ! 

Is  this  the  way  my  kindness  to  requite  ? 

Becoming  gratitude  to  exercise  ? 

Prepare,  this  instant,  for  thy  death,  'La-wah  ! 

Deceitful,  as  thy  name  imports,  art  thou. 

Prepare  for  instant  death ;  for  I  do  swear, 

By  the  Great  Spirit,  ruling  all  above, 

And  by  the  evil  spirit,  hating  good, 

That  to  and  fro  walks  up  and  down  the  earth, 

Filling  the  mind  with  violence,  fraud,  and  blood ; 

By  all  that  Indians  sacredly  observe, 

That  thou  no  longer  on  the  earth  shalt  live. 

Now  will  I  spill  thy  blood,  and  take  thy  life ; 

'Tis  forfeited  to  me,  for  that  of  my  poor  wife. 

The  coward,  all  aghast,  and  struck  with  shame, 


116  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

And  conscious  guilt,  at  this  his  fate  so  just, 
Choked  with  his  sentence — uttered  not  a  word, 
Nor  made  resistance  aught  to  palliate. 
'Si-ar-nah  bent  his  bow,  made  sure  his  aim  ; 
Now  die,  as  you  deserve,  deceitful  wretch 
He  said,  and  sent  the  arrow  to  his  heart. 
He  fell.     'Si-ar-nah  running  up  to  him, 
And  drawing  out  his  scimetar's  broad  blade, 
Which  he  had  used  in  war,  his  crown  cut  off, 
And  placed  his  head  on  high  beside  the  road, 
Beneath  the  branches  of  a  maple-tree. 

XLIV. 

Then  slept  he  quietly  that  night, 

Pleased  with  such  sweet  revenge  in  fight. 

Next  eve,  as  on  his  couch  he  lay, 

And  passed  the  wakeful  hours  away, 

In  ruminating  on  the  past, 

His  thoughts  upon  the  future  cast : 

He  heard  without  an  awful  noise, 

As  though  on  lofty  wings  did  poise, 

And  hovering  o'er  and  round  his  head, 

The  misty  phantoms  of  the  dead  ; 

And  spirits  disembodied  there, 

Unquiet,  venting  in  the  air 

Their  plaintive  melancholy  wo, 

In  shrieks  that  mortals  would  forego. 

Like  distant  thunder  seemed  a  sound, 

That  shook  the  tenement  and  ground ; 

And  lo  !  in  came  a  phantomed  host, 

And  chief  of  these  was  Que-la's  ghost — 


SCENES   IN    THE    WEST.  117 

All  pale  and  haggard,  as  when  slain, 

All  bathed  in  tears  that  fell  as  rain  ; 

And  by  his  bed-side  came  and  stood 

Distressed,  in  melancholy  mood, 

As  though  o'erwhelmed  with  conscious  shame, 

For  what  he  dreaded  much  to  name. 

Twice  he  essayed  to  speak,  and  sighed, 

Twice  on  his  tongue  the  accents  died. 

For  something  there  appeared  within 

Too  big  for  utterance — a  sin. 

'Si-ar-nah  silence  broke,  and  said, 

Speak,  whether  living  form,  or  dead  ! 

Whoe'er  you  are,  and  without  fear, 

Your  business  to  my  listening  ear 

Disclose,  whatever  it  may  be, 

No  terror  shall  it  bring  to  me. 

For  though  you  be  the  king  of  hell, 

Or  in  whatever  regions  dwell, 

That  hither  come  in  dread  array, 

In  mystery,  solemn  pomp  display — 

I  fear  you  not.     But  of  your  birth, 

I  think  I've  seen  your  form  on  earth, 

And  deem,  if  I  have  eyes  to  know, 

And  to  distinguish  ghosts  below, 

Thou  hast  engaged  in  bloody  strife, 

And  art  the  murderer  of  my  wife. 

XLV. 

Yes,  I  am  Que-la-wah  you  slew, 

For  what  just  cause  well  known  to  you, 


116  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 

Departed  spirits  privileged  be, 
Who  roam  th'  aerial  portals  free, 
Th'  affairs  of  kindred  minds  to  know, 
With  whom  they  conversed  long  below. 
There  needs  no  repetition  here, 
Of  what  is  past  to  mortals  dear ; 
But  touching  Nit-o-me-ma's  doom, 
To  let  you  know,  for  this  I  come, 
You  to  inform,  that  lovely  she, 
Whose  heart  I  strove  to  win  from  thee, 
Is  not  as  yet  dismissed  from  time, 
To  wildly  rove  aerial  clime, 
In  fairy  regions  of  the  dead  ; 
But  still  on  earth  she  lifts  her  head- 
Still  in  the  body.     Cherish  this, 
An  earnest  of  your  future  bliss. 
The  fiend  commissioned  her  to  kill, 
With  false  reports  your  ear  did  fill, 
Has  passed  the  bounds  of  mortal  day, 
His  crimes  could  brook  no  long  delay ; 
A  disembodied  spirit  he, 
Companion  of  my  misery. 
Him  first  I  saw,  when  there  I  came ; 
He  knew  me  by  my  marks  of  shame — 
Saluted  with  inquiring  breath, 
To  know  of  my  untimely  death ; 
The  cause,  unseemly,  premature, 
A  flower  which  promised  to  endure. 
I  straightly  told  him  all  that  passed, 
And  how  I  fell,  from  first  to  last. 
All  which  he  seemed  much  pleased  to  hear 
From  his  pale  visage  dropped  a  tear 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  119 


Of  sullen  joy,  to  think  that  he 

Was  so  well  matched  in  misery  ; 

And  that  no  greater  were  his  crimes, 

Than  many  others  of  his  times. 

But  where,  said  I,  does  'Me-ma  dwell? 

I  see  her  not ;  but  thou  full  well 

Must  know  her  habitation  where, 

Whose  sword  dismissed  her  soul  to  air. 

He  straight  informed,  with  accents  mild, 

He  ne'er  had  slain  her  or  the  child ; 

But  said  that  she  was  living  still, 

And  in  the  forest  roamed  at  will, 

Until  a  certain  cave  she  found, 

Enclosed  by  thickets  all  around  ; 

In  midway  of  the  forest  dread, 

Where  she  miraculously  fed, 

Still  lives  and  breathes  the  upper  air, 

A  lonely  solitude  to  share. 

No  man  has  ever  been  that  way, 

Or  found  her  dwelling  to  this  day — 

XLVI. 

Though  has  been  there  so  many  years, 
And  shed  so  many  bitter  tears — 
Is  something  worn  by  time  and  care, 
Yet  she  is  ruddy,  fresh  and  fair ; 
True  to  her  lawful  consort,  she 
Both  wasi.  and  is,  in  constancy. 
Yea,  jusOts  loyal,  faithful,  sure, 
Has  ever«been,  and  chaste  and  pure 


120  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

As  ghost  of  vestal  virgin  seems, 
When  in  the  evening's  dusky  beams, 
Hovering  between  the  hills  it  glides 
In  mist  along  the  mountain's  sides — 
That  no  contamination  know, 
Unspotted  as  the  virgin  show. 
There  still  exists  this  flower  of  earth; 
As  yet,  she  knows  no  heavenly  birth  ; 
And  there,  by  searching,  you  may  find 
Her  that  will  ease  your  troubled  mind. 
This  said,  he  farther  added  not, 
Nor  spake  of  his  immortal  lot, 
Of  aught  particular,  love  or  hate, 
Or  prospects  of  his  future  state. 
But,  shrouded  in  the  sable  night, 
He  quickly  faded  out  of  sight ; 
And  glided  upward,  as  would  seem, 
Like  phantom  in  the  evening  beam. 
Of  him  last  heard,  was  a  voice  upsent, 
Of  mingled  terror,  loud  lament, 
Which,  down  from  good  'Si-ar-nah's  eyes, 
Drew  tears  of  pity  and  surprise. 

<  XL  vn. 

Then  rose  'Si-ar-nah  up  straightway, 
Nor  waited  till  the  dawn  of  day  ; 
But  early,  with  no  tardy  bound, 
And  roused  up  all  the  country  round — 
With  sound  of  trumpet,  shall  I  tell? 
The  hollow-sounding  drum,  or  bell  ? 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  121 

The  bugle's  note,  or  Frenchman's  horn  ? 
Nay  !  these  their  armory  don't  adorn  ; 
But  with  the  clattering  sound  of  bones, 
Together  beat,  of  thrilling  tones — 
The  whistle,  war-whoop,  grave  intent, 
Halloo,  and  general  shout  upsent. 
Gathering  a  numerous  multitude, 
Searched  the  whole  forest,  each  seclude  ; 
At  length  discovered  he  the  cave, 
Which  hopeful  expectation  gave ; 
And  coming  to  the  opening  fair, 
Demanded  loudly,  who  was  there. 
Deep  from  within,  a  voice  was  heard— 
He  called  a  second  time,  and  third  ; 
But  she  delayed  to  come  in  view, 
Though  well  his  voice  and  countenance  knew. 

XLVIII. 

She  felt  ashamed  t'  appear,  for  she  was  coy  ; 
Worn  out  her  garments — to  supply  their  place 
Effectually,  with  scanty  means  could  not. 
Save  Indian  stroud,  or  skirt,  which  she  had  made 
Of  pliant  skins  of  quadrupeds  ensnared — 
Together  sewed  with  thongs,  and  belted  round ; 
A  customary  garment  'mong  them  worn  : 
Save  beads  of  wampum  round  her  graceful  neck, 
And  some  slight  covering  o'er  her  bosom  thrown, 
Save  what  her  long  and  beauteous  tresses  covered, 
There  was  not  aught  her  beauty  to  conceal 
Or  nature's  lovely,  simple  garb  unmake — 
11 


122  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Costume  most  ancient  of  the  hand  divine* 
But  like  our  mother  Eve,  in  Eden's  bower 
Of  bliss,  when  unadorned,  was  most  adorned  ; 
Since  native  beauty,  form  and  comeliness, 
And  grace,  without  the  gaudy  things  of  art, 
Were  all  her  own.     Then  her  beloved  lord, 
The  good  'Si-ar-nah,  forward  sprung,  and  ran 
Within  the  cave.     Flinging  his  arms  around 
The  lovely  form,  he  clasped  her  to  his  breast, 
And  kissed  her  o'er,  and  o'er,  and  o'er  again, 
With  the  sweet  kiss  of  early  love  ecstatic, 
Shouting  : — Joy  to  me  now !  joy !  joy  !  henceforth ! 
Come  to  my  heart,  my  jewel !  to  my  heart ! 
The  tidings,  so  dishonorable  to  thee, 
Which  proved  thy  banishment,  and  ruined  me, 
By  fiends  malicious  whispered  in  my  ear, 
Were  false  !  were  false !  my  Nit-o-me-ma  still, 
Unspotted  as  an  angel  is  of  light, 
And  chaste  and  pure  as  ghosts  of  vestal  virgins, 
I  have  had  sweet  revenge  for  all  thy  wrongs ! 
Thy  murderers  are  no  more  !  they  are  cut  off, 
And  perished  from  the  earth,  that  trouble  thee  !. 
The  cruel  messenger,  and  Que-la-wah  ; 
The  last  fell  by  an  arrow  from  my  bow. 
'Midst  all  my  labors  and  my  wandering, 
No  day  has  intervened  that  did  not  bring, 
My  Nit-o-me-ma !  heavy  thoughts  of  thee  ; 
And  thou  hast  suffered  many  deaths  for  me. 

XLIX. 

Come  from  this  horrible,  lonely-looking  place  ! 
Drop  that  poor  pittance  from  thy  rosy  hand, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  123 

And  live,  henceforth,  anew,  as  freedom  prompts  ! 
For  thy  Omaint-si-ar-nah  loves  thee  still, 
Far  better  than  himself,  or  his  own  life  ; 
Which  he,  henceforth,  devotes  alone  to  thee ! 
His  own  new  buffalo  robe  unfolding,  then, 
Which  he  had  brought  to  serve  a  purpose  kind, 
He  put  it  on  her,  led  her  from  the  cave. 
But,  O,  the  joy,  the  rapture  of  that  meeting ! 
What  pen  can  write  ?  what  burning  words  describe  ? 
Like  that  of  bands  cherubic  in  mid-heaven, 
Convoking  and  conversing  sweetly  there. 


Ne'er  did  first  parents  see  more  happy  hour, 
Beneath  the  tree  of  life,  in  Eden's  bower ; 
Nor  could  Camilla,  dressed  in  beauteous  charm, 
Refulgent,  and  arrayed  in  martial  arms  ; 
E'en  when  she  triumphed  in  a  glorious  war, 
Armies  discomfited,  and  drove  before. 
For  something  in  that  meeting  there  did  seem, 
Of  which  the  world  has  but  a  fainter  gleam ; 
Of  holy,  pure,  and  heavenly  nature  quite  ; 
Something  'bove  earth,  a  mutual  delight, 
Which  none  can  know,  appreciate,  or  enjoy, 
Without  the  mixture  of  more  base  alloy, 
Save  such  as  draw  their  comforts  from  above, 
Have  felt  the  all-absorbing  pang  of  love  ; 
Love  irresistible,  without  a  name, 
Holy  and  virtuous,  an  undying  flame. 


124  BLACK    HAWK,    AND    SCENES    IN    THE    WEST. 

This  forest-bred,  untutored  son  of  love, 
And  his  divine -protected  Gentle  Dove, 
(For  nature,  to  her  own,  is  ever  true, 
When  we  her  calls  obey,  her  steps  pursue,) 
In  happy  love  passed  their  remaining  days, 
Beloved  by  all,  their  nation's  pride  and  praise ; 
In  death  were  not  divided.     Side  by  side, 
They  sickened,  suffered,  comforted,  and  died ; 
Were  both  interred,  together,  in  one  grave, 
Lamented  long ;  and  from  their  son  o'  the  cave, 
Namah,  in  whom  did  every  virtue  blend, 
In  concord  sweet,  great  Black  Hawk  did  descend, 


BLACK  HAWK, 

AND 

SCENES   IN   THE   WEST. 


CANTO    III 


THE     ARGUMENT. 


The  Pennsylvania!!  gives  an  account  of  the  manners  and  customs  of  the 
Indians,  and  what  injuries  they  have  suffered  of  the  whites  ;  together 
with  a  description  of  the  causes  which  led  Black  Hawk  to  take  up  arms 
against  the  United  States. 


THAT  your  description  quaint,  admired  must  be, 
Of  this  illustrious  chieftain's  pedigree, 
Is  in  good  keeping  with  his  checkered  life, 
Of  combat  on  the  glorious  field  of  strife, 
Of  cares  and  conflict,  is,  to  me,  quite  clear ; 
And  much  has  charmed  me,  said  the  pioneer. 
'Tis  what  might  be  expected  from  a  man 
Of  such  celebrity  throughout  his  clan  ; 
And  gives  good  omen  what  I  else  shall  hear 
Fall  from  your  tongue,  will  please  my  earnest  ear. 
To  which,  the  Pennsylvanian  thus  replies  : — 
I  will  endeavor,  much  as  in  me  lies, 
To  give  you  farther  knowledge  of  the  race, 
11* 


120  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 

Time  immemorial  'habited  this  place, 
Long  ere  our  fathers  crossed  the  briny  sea, 
To  plant  the  standard  of  their  liberty  ; 
And  why  the  clarion  notes  have  sounded  storm 
Of  Indian  frontier  wars,  will  you  inform — 
And  tell  the  causes  which  conspired  to  raise 
The  chief's  ambition  high  in  later  days, 
Who,  for  his  injured  country,  vainly  strove, 
And  fell  like  star  from  heaven  ;  the  will  of  Jove. 
Yet,  in  his  fall,  predestined  to  be  great, 
While  age  succeeding  age,  his  deeds  relate. 


II. 

The  Indians  are  a  wild,  peculiar  race ; 

Yet  much  in  them  that's  good,  that,  should  we  follow, 

Would,  to  our  own  advantage,  much  redound  : 

Since  honest,  native  nobleness  of  soul, 

A  conduct  kind  and  generous  signalize. 

Nor  are  they  wayward,  as  so  oft  is  said, 

Blind  to  each  other's  good,  or  ill,  or  love. 

Friendship  with  them's  a  sacred  sentiment, 

For  which,  they'll  suffer,  die  in  its  defence  ; 

Nor  yet,  so  cruel,  savage,  desperate — 

While,  in  their  social  circles,  common  walks 

Of  life,  in  peaceful  villages  at  home, 

In  native  harmony  of  soul  they  dwell. 

But,  when  excited,  roused  to  fell  revenge, 

For  injuries  oft  unto  their  people  done, 

'Tis  only  then  they  manifest  that  ire, 

And  acts  of  cruelty  so  reprehended. 


SCENES   IN   THE    WEST.  127 

Be  honest  with  the  Indian,  honest,  too, 

He'll  be,  and  faithful,  even  to  a  fault. 

This,  by  the  man  of  peace  was  proved,  good  Penn, 

And  sealed,  by  peace,  for  three-score  years  and  ten. 

Provoke  him,  and  no  labor  is  too  great 

To  seek  a  foe.     He'll  cross  the  Rocky  Mountain, 

And  suffer  death,  a  just  revenge  to  gain  ; 

To  this  impelled,  by  what  he  duty  deems. 

Of  his  religious  creed  deign  you  to  ask  ? 

And  what  of  his  mythology  extreme  ? 

He  has  of  Gods,  the  only  one  supreme,  * 

The  world  Creator,  Ruler,  Spirit  great, 

Or  Manitou,  the  master-spring  of  life  ; 

One  great  inferior  deity,  the  de'il, 

Or  evil  spirit,  enemy  of  all  good, 

And  source  of  all  the  evils  him  beset. 

Plunged  deep  in  pagan  darkness,  doubtful  all, 

In  which  Great  Spirit's  hands  himself  shall  fall, 

Whether  the  good  or  bad,  he  worships  both, 

And  offers  sacrifice  and  supplication — 

The  evil  one,  his  anger  to  appease, 

His  mercy  show,  and  unto  wrath  set  bounds ; 

The  good,  all  needful  grace  to  supplicate, 

And  thanks  return  for  his  success  in  war, 

In  hunting,  bounteous  corn,  and  life  preserved. 

Other  inferior  deities  beside, 

Guardians  o'er  persons,  places,  things  preside, 

As  he  believes,  and  pays  them  reverence  meet. 

in. 

The  soul  immortal  deems  he  ;  after  death, 
Receives  reward  or  retribution  due. 


BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

What  this  reward  or  retribution  is, 

What  course  of  conduct  will  the  man  condemn, 

Or  what  to  favor  there  entitle  him, 

Differ  they  much,  and  undefined  remains 

A  vague  uncertainty.     Yet  his  opinion, 

The  generous  host,  the  kind  and  noble  soul, 

Great  hunter,  he  who  slays  a  host  of  foes, 

And  wears  the  largest  feathers  in  his  crown, 

As  trophies  of  his  warlike  deeds,  will  be 

The  man  that's  favored  most  of  Deity. 

Far  on  the  north,  a  country  desolate, 

And  cold,  and  icy — where  no  game  abounds, 

Amid  perpetual  snows,  and  piercing  winds — 

Where  barely  possible  life  to  sustain, 

Some  think  the  place  of  punishment  to  be ; 

While  others,  south,  suppose  it  is  in  fire. 

Inferior  animals,  too,  partake  his  heaven ; 

His  faithful  dog,  his  deer,  and  speckled  fish. 

The  soul  deceased,  a  time  on  earth  remains, 

The  grave  oft  passing  in  and  out,  to  hear 

And  soothe  the  sorrows  of  surviving  friends, 

Invisible,  and  unperceived  by  any  ; 

But  soon  must  travel  hence,  a  journey  long, 

To  a  land  of  spirits  in  the  far  southwest ; 

Requiring  months,  replete  with  danger,  toil, 

Wild  beasts  ferocious,  dogs  encountering  oft. 

Is  forced  deep  streams  to  cross,  with  ne'er  a  bark. 

Provisions,  too,  are  needed  for  the  way  ; 

Hence,  hunting  implements,  flint,  steel,  and  pipe, 

Tobacco,  whiskey,  are  placed  in  the  grave, 

Beside  the  dead,  his  way  to  expedite. 

The  Sacs  suppose  the  spirit,  on  its  way, 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST.  129 

O'er  a  wide  prairie-land  obliged  to  pass. 
Like  a  blue  cloud  the  forest  seems  beyond ; 
Between  these  rolls  a  river,  rapid,  deep  ; 
Long  pole  across,  e'en  like  a  serpent's  back, 
Kept  in  continual  motion  by  the  tide. 
To  cross  upon  this  pole  the  spirit  must. 
If  to  a  person  good  it  has  belonged, 
'Twill  get  o'er  safe,  and  find  its  kindred  just. 

IV. 

Land  dressed  in  living  green,  a  pleasant  wood ; 
Here  dwell  the  spirits  of  the  great  and  good, 
In  everlasting  happiness  on  high ; 
Pursue  their  own  amusements  constantly. 
Eternal  spring  strews  every  path  with  flowers, 
Of  odors  sweet,  refreshed  by  gentle  showers. 
Here,  too,  are  happy  isles,  in  beauty  dressed, 
Where  oft  the  sons  of  men  lie  down  to  rest 
In  pleasant  arbors,  overhung  with  trees, 
Fanned  by  the  zephyr's  cool  refreshing  breeze  ; 
And  purling  streams  and  lakes  where  fish  abound, 
With  plenteous  game  through  all  the  woodland  ground. 
The  Indian's  fancied  heaven,  where  longs  to  be  : 
His  hopes  are  full  of  immortality. 

v. 

But  if  the  spirit  to  wicked  man  belongs, 
'Twill  fall  off  in  the  roaring  stream,  and  be 
Swept  down  by  rapid  currents  to  the  land 
Of  evil  spirits,  ever  to  remain 
In  poverty,  in  wretchedness,  and  wo. 


130  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Such  spirits  undergo  a  change,  some  deem, 

And  turn  to  tortoise,  fish,  or  toad,  despised. 

'Mong  the  Dacotas,  died  a  young  papoose, 

Its  parents  mourned  it  as  their  only  hope. 

The  father  laid  the  affliction  to  his  heart, 

With  arrows  sharpened  wounded  oft  himself — 

Sickened,  and  lingered,  till  with  grief  he  died. 

But  what  was  most  remarkable,  the  bride, 

Whose  grief  was  inconsolable  before, 

Soon  as  she  saw  her  husband  was  no  more, 

Dried  up  her  tears,  a  cheerful  air  put  on, 

Of  resignation  to  the  high  bereave, 

Which  took  from  her  an  only  son  and  spouse. 

This  did  I  see,  the  reason  did  inquire. 

She  told  me  that  the  child  had  died  too  young, 

In  land  of  spirits  to  sustain  itself; 

That  she  and  consort  had  been  apprehensive, 

That  lone,  unhappy,  it  would  suffer  there  ; 

But  soon  as  she  did  see  its  father  go 

Unto  that  land  from  mortal  climes  afar — 

Who  loved  it  with  the  tenderest  affection, 

Good  hunter,  too,  would  well  for  it  provide, 

She  ceased  to  mourn — as  further  cause  for  tears 

Existed  not ;  since  what  she  doated  on 

Was  happy,  underneath  the  care  of  one 

That  loved  it  well ;  and  now  her  only  prayer, 

That  soon  she  might  be  called  to  join  them  there, 

• 

vi. 

The  Indians  here,  have  many  recreations, 

As  sports  and  pastimes,  feasts,  and  dancing  oft ; 

With  music  of  the  flute,  drum,  tamborine ; 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST.  131 

But  singing,  chiefly  ;  dancing,  for  amusement ; 

Sometimes  as  preparation  for  a  war — 

For  hunting,  news  of  peace,  or  heroes'  praise : 

Strangers  to  entertain,  or  please  a  guest, 

The  Deity  religious  homage  pay ; 

A.  solemn  ceremony — not  unlike 

The  praise  of  David,  when  before  the  Ark 

Of  God  he  danced,  and  pleased  his  Maker  well ; 

Or  Israel  held  with  timbrel's,  organ's  sound, 

When  Deborah  triumphed  in  a  glorious  war, 

And  all  the  host  the  day  did  celebrate  ; 

Of  songs  and  dances  solemn  worship  made. 

Indians  with  feasts  accompany  all  these, 

Singing  replies  to  song,  with  these,  with  them. 


PIONEER. 

Now,  since  you  mention  solemn  rites  resembling 
The  ancient  Israelites,  this  me  reminds, 
What  I  have  often  heard  of  this  red  race 
From  them  descending ;  one  lost  tribe  of  Israel, 
Here  wandering  to  a  country  so  remote, 
In  ancient  times  unknown.     If  this  be  true, 
That  they  were  lost  for  aye,  no  wonder,  then. 
But  'tis,  I  trow,  a  thing  of  mere  conjecture. 

PENNSYLVANIAN. 

Aye,  so  it  is  ;  but  yet  some  reasons  for  it, 
Quite  plausible,  and  weighty,  may  be  urged. 
A  theme  of  speculation  has  been  made  ; 


133  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Some  learned  authors  prying  into  it, 

The  very  fact  to  prove,  have  underta'en  ; 

And,  from  the  labors  and  research  of  travellers, 

Collected  all  the  evidence  in  their  reach. 

The  customs,  manners,  laws,  of  either  nation, 

Comparing,  diligently,  each  with  each  ; 

And,  finding  a  resemblance  notable, 

Conclude,  originally  they  were  one 

Peculiar  nation  ;  this  lost  tribe  a  branch 

Broken  off—  outcasts  from  Israel,  as  the  Jew, 

As  He  whose  laws  they  broke  did  threaten  them. 

But  they,  all  Israel,  must  be  gathered  in, 

When  the  appointed  time  of  fulness  comes, 

And  Jew  and  Gentile  saved  by  sovereign  grace. 

So  saint  and  prophet  have  of  old  believed, 

And  so  the  sacred  scriptures  well  accord. 

These,  too,  have  prophets,  priests,  and  chiefs  of  tribes, 

Their  solemn  days,  their  patriarchal  heads, 

Traditions  many  of  their  ancient  rites, 

And  more  than  I  here  now  have  time  to  tell. 

VII. 

e7^*~    subject  of  the  dances  I  resume  ; 
A  v\  J    iA>-Tho  the  joys  of  dancing  would  presume 


unnoticed  by,  if  not  partake  ? 
these,  the  war-dance  most  important  is. 
iccount  of  one  that  I  attended  once, 
To  you  will  give.     The  village  I  was  in 
Were  all  assembled,  where  a  feast  was  made, 
And  Indian  warriors,  painted  as  for  battle, 
Approached  the  post  in  middle  of  that  ring, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  133 

Or  circle  large,  where  they  the  dance  begin, 

By  tamborine  and  song  preceded  first. 

Warriors  with  energy  themselves  exert, 

While  with  the  music  every  motion  vies  ; 

Their  weapons  with  such  fury  brandishing, 

That  fatal  accidents  seem  on  the  point. 

But  soon  a  warrior  leaves  the  circle,  formed 

By  crowds  of  warriors,  and  spectators  round  ; 

With  tomahawk  he  smites  the  centre  post. 

The  music  ceases,  and  the  beat  of  drum ; 

The  story  of  his  wars  he  now  recounts — 

His  martial  deeds,  with  loud  commanding  voice  ; 

Describes  his  battles  fought,  what  prisoners  made, 

His  scalps  and  trophies  shows — points  to  his  wounds. 

The  acting  o'er  of  all  his  brave  exploits 

Attends  his  narrative — the  mimic  fight, 

TV  advance,  retreat,  the  swift  pursuit  of  foes  ; 

The  blow,  the  fall,  the  doffing  of  the  crown  ; 

In  all  he  says,  and  does,  declaring  truth. 

Shouts  of  applause  accompany  narrative, 

Proportioned  to  the  interest  it  excites. 

The  orator  retires,  the  dance  goes  on, 

Till  interrupted  by  another  warrior. 

At  length  a  war-worn  veteran  struck  the  post ; 

Silence  again  prevailed  throughout  the  host. 


With  active  limbs  he  leaped  about,  and  raised 
To  highest  pitch  his  voice,  while  he  portrayed 
Some  of  those  sanguine  scenes  in  which  he'd  acted. 
13 


184  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

He'd  struck  the  bodies  dead  of  many  men — 

All  the  red  nations  round  him ;  Omawhaws, 

Osages,  Pawnees,  Konzas,  Grand  Pawnees, 

Padoucas,  Sacs,  letons,  and  lowas ; 

Foxes,  Dacotas,  Bald-Heads,  and  La  Plain  ; 

Eight  of  one  nation,  seven  of  another, 

He'd  struck.     With  his  account  he  was  proceeding, 

When  one  ran  up  to  him,  and  put  his  hand 

Upon  his  mouth,  and  led  him  to  his  seat. 

Not  that  he'd  spoken  aught  save  truth  alone  ; 

For  what  one  saith  in  presence  of  the  warriors, 

Each  for  his  own  good  name  as  promptly  jealous, 

The  strictest  scrutiny  must  undergo  ; 

And  wanting  truth  subjects  him  to  disgrace, 

And  infamy  retorted  on  his  brow. 

Nor  yet  because  they  deemed  he'd  grown  too  vain ; 

But  meant  the  highest  honor  to  the  brave. 

It  signified  achievements  glorious — he 

So  many  could  relate,  requiring  time, 

The  rest  their  deeds  to  tell  would  find  no  room. 

Moreo'er,  the  contrast  of  their  deeds  with  his, 

Would  put  the  younger  warriors  much  to  shame. 

Now,  everything  made  ready,  war-songs  sung, 

The  dance  performed,  a  general  feast  succeeds. 

They  rush  to  war — taught  from  their  infancy 

To  glory  in,  as  man's  chief  duty  here. 

In  just  defence  to  arm  themselves  compelled, 

From  hunting-grounds  repel  intruding  foes ; 

Revenge  the  death  of  those  innoxious  slain  ; 

Having  just  cause,  for  injuries  unredressed, 

To  seek  a  recompense  by  force  from  men, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  185 

Who  always  have  been  found  unjust  in  power, 

And  use  their  strength  to  crush  the  feeble  down  ; 

Award  the  guilty,  succor  the  distressed, 

Their  countrymen  from  wicked  hands  to  wrest, 

The  highest  glory  of  the  Indian  race, 

And  well  secures  in  heaven  a  resting-place. 


IX. 

PIONEER. 

Let  me,  my  friend,  but  interrupt  you  here, 

And  speak  as  friend  to  friend,  without  a  fear  ; 

About  this  wondrous  people  more  inquire, 

A  people  that  you  seem  much  to  admire  ; 

What  injuries  have  been  done  them  by  the  whites, 

And  what  to  much  dissension  so  invites  ? 

For,  you  did  hint  to  me  of  border  wars, 

And  of  their  causes  promised  some  account. 

PENNSYLVANIAN. 

Indeed,  I  did,  and  have  it  still  in  mind ; 

But,  deeming  you  to  knowledge  more  inclined 

Of  general  nature,  and  a  wider  range, 

I  took  a  course  which  seemeth  to  you  strange ; 

Relieving  it  was  one  that  you  would  covet — 

But,  as  you  seem  impatient  much  to  wait, 

Till  what  I  had  designed  could  bring  about, 

To  give  the  Indian  character  at  length, 

In  all  their  various  manners,  customs,  laws, 


186  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Your  fond  desire  I'll  strive  to  gratify, 
As  'tis  at  your  request  what  I  relate  ; 
And  wave  a  course  designing  to  pursue, 
Another  take  agreeable  to  you. 


To  tell  the  injuries  to  this  people  done, 
Would  time  require,  and  other  tongues  than  one. 
When  first  the  white  man  landed  on  this  soil, 
The  Indian  treated  him  with  great  respect ; 
Her  to  his  pleasant  country,  welcomed  him, 
Gave  him  a  resting-place,  and  food  to  eat, 
Until  he  found  that  he  was  his  oppressor, 
And  enemy  to  rob  of  his  rights. 
Virginia's  lord  received  him  in  great  pomp, 
Demanding  what  upon  his  shores  he  wanted  ; 
Made  presents  ;  learning  that  he  wanted  land, 
Said  he  could  have  as  much  as  he  required. 

But,  when  no  bounds  could  satisfy  desire, 
He  found  the  white  man  mocking  at  his  host, 
'Twas  what  he  could  not  brook,  or  well  admire, 
To  yield  his  land  a  military  post, 
To  avaricious  men  intruding  there. 

XI. 

They  were  th'  aggressors,  have  it  as  they  will, 
The  worst  that's  on  their  side  they  do  keep  back, 
They  gave  insult  the  first,  and  second,  too, 
Fired  the  first  gun  ;  deny  it,  but  'tis  so. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  137 


No  history  is  impartial  on  this  theme  ; 

What  is  disgraceful  to  themselves  leave  out, 

Unpopular  to  insert  on  history's  page  ; 

Hush  these,  and  things  extenuating  quash, 

That  show  the  Indian  was  aggrieved,  how  much, 

And  else,  would  prove  the  right  upon  his  side. 

Have  they  not  offered  hundred  pounds  per  scalp  1 

And  sold  them  prisoners  into  slavery  ? 

Sent  to  West  India  Isles  to  toil  out  life, 

In  lands  remote  from  kindred,  country,  friends  ? 

This,  some  will  own  in  secret,  some  deny ; 

But  all  agree  to  keep  it  from  the  mass. 

Do  not  they  make  with  them  most  solemn  covenants  ? 

Construe  them  as  they  please,  and  break  at  will  ? 

And  punish  them  if  they  but  do  the  same  ? 

Admit  to  lands  they  occupy  their  claims, 

And  take  it  from  them,  when  and  where  they  please, 

At  their  own  price  ?     Compel  them  to  retire, 

To  lands  more  barren,  and  their  living  scarce  ? 

Make  war  upon  them  for  some  trifling  cause  ? 

Put  them  to  death  of  every  age  and  se"ct, 

And  then  proclaim  it  to  the  world  that  they 

Are  cruel  savages,  and  ought  to  die  ? 


XII. 

Congress,  good  laws  for  their  relief  has  made, 
From  time  to  time,  but  took  no  further  care. 
These  laws  and  treaties  have  been  violated, 
By  our  own  people,  with  impunity, 
From  first  to  last ;  those  specially  intended 
12* 


138  BLACK   HAWK,  AND 

To  keep  our  people  from  intruding  on 

Their  hunting-grounds,  or  settling  in  their  country, 

And  making  wholesale  killing  of  their  game. 

Th'  encroachments  of  the  outlaw  frontier  men, 

Land  speculators,  traders,  dealers  in 

Spirituous  liquors,  by  them  called  fire-water, 

Have  much  degraded  them,  and  nearly  ruined. 

'Tis  to  this  class  of  persons  that  we  owe 

Indian  barbarities,  and  border  wars. 

Rapacious  for  their  peltries  and  their  lands, 

The  laws  of  government  do  trample  on. 

A  list  of  these  nefarious  acts  should  we 

But  give,  'twould  be  a  scandal  on  our  nation  ; 

Humanity  would  shudder  at  the  tale. 

We  sometimes  see  the  trader  take,  by  force, 

The  products  of  a  whole  year's  hunt,  for  aught, 

Or,  pilfering  part,  while  buying  cheap  the  rest ; 

Oft  wresting  from  them,  when  they've  made  them  drunkei 

Furs,  of  great  value,  for  a  thing  of  nought. 


XIII. 

Here,  all  the  good  that  missionaries  do, 

And  all  their  useful  labors  to  instruct, 

Are  overbalanced  by  the  weighty  fraud 

Of  swindling  miscreants.     Vain  is  it  to  hope 

A  reformation  in  this  state  of  things, 

Till  the  strong  arm  of  government  keeps  out, 

From  th'  Indian  country,  all  her  lawless  rakes ; 

While  these  have  range,  there  never  will  be  peace. 

To  nurse  a  border  war,  is  their  delight, 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST.  139 

And  jealousy  among  the  tribes  stir  up, 

Because  it  always  ends  in  driving  back 

The  Indians  from  the  lands  th'  intruders  want ; 

Because  it  yields  to  blustering  men  in  arms, 

To  gain  a  name  for  courage  bold,  some  chance  ; 

An  Indian  foe  to  slay,  the  honor  bright. 

Hence,  do  the  frontier  men  the  war  provoke, 

By  flagrant  acts,  and  injuries  oft  repeated  ; 

With  grievous  words  and  blows,  red  men  assault, 

Their  wives  and  harmless  children  treat  as  dogs ; 

Till  indignation,  to  the  uttermost, 

Is  roused,  and  calls  aloud  for  vengeance  meet ; 

But,  when  the  red  man  vindicates  his  right. 

By  an  appeal  to  arms,  and  slays  his  foe, 

Of  gaining  his  redress,  the  only  way, 

He's  called  a  savage,  who  in  blood  delights. 

Extenuation  none  the  case  admits, 

A  cruel  nation,  powerful  in  their  arms, 

A  nation  rises  to  exterminate  him. 

If  this  be  right,  then  worthy  be  the  wrong, 

Since  worst  of  evils  to  this  class  belong ; 

Call  evil  good,  all  government  confusion, 

And  say  that  anarchy  is  blest  delusion. 

XIV. 
PIONEER. 

With  the  betrayed,  the  wronged,  the  hunted,  fleeing, 
Fast  sinking  race  of  aboriginal  men, 
We  sympathise.     O,  must  we  hence  reflect, 
That  they,  the  lordly  monarchs  of  their  race, 


140  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Who  first  roamed  over  this  most  glorious  land, 
Have  so  been  injured  by  us,  we  their  guests ! 
Who,  like  the  waning  moon,  or  curling  smoke 
Of  their  own  council-fires,  are  vanishing; 
Will  very  soon  no  more  remembered  be, 
Save  in  tradition,  history,  or  song. 
But  what  occurs  to  me,  you  I  will  ask, 
The  story  of  the  seven  wives  of  Black  Hawk. 

PENNSYLVANIA]*. 

The  story's  false,  like  more  concerning  him. 

'Tis  true,  that  Keokuck  had  many  wives  ; 

But  Black  Hawk  ne'er  had  consort,  saving  one, 

Whom  he  devoutly  loved.     He  used  to  say, 

The  only  wife  he  had,  or  ever  would  ; 

To  her  he  was  attached  so  ardently. 

A-shaw-e-qua,  or  Singing  Bird,  her  name — 

A  princess  of  renown,  him  long  outlived; 

And  when  her  people  were  again  removed 

Far  west,  on  Kansas'  river,  there  she  went ; 

Having  seen  the  sun  diurnal  in  his  course, 

In  varied  climes  upon  her  nation  shine, 

Complete  almost  a  hundred  revolutions 

Annual,  through  all  those  days  ;   and  lived  to  see 

Her  children's  children's  offspring  numerous  rise, 

And  greet  her  with  their  young,  admiring  eyes ; 

Attained  the  glory  of  all  human  pride, 

And  each  reverse,  experienced  all,  she  died. 

xv. 

His  children  !  never  man  more  doated  on, 
Or  ever  more  sincerely  felt  their  loss. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  141 

His  son,  just  grown  to  manhood,  sickened,  died  ; 

A  duteous  child  to  him  had  always  been. 

Died  also,  then,  his  dear  and  youngest  daughter ; 

Child  most  affectionate  and  interesting  ; 

Hard  stroke  to  him,  because  his  children  loved. 

In  his  distress,  the  village  noise  he  left, 

And  built  upon  a  mound  a  lonely  lodge ; 

Did  fence  it  round,  and  planted  corn  and  beans, 

And  with  his  family  here  retired  did  live  ; 

Gave  everything  he  had,  for  grief,  away, 

A  custom  that  prevails  when  loss  is  great. 

He  blacked  his  face,  and  fasted  two  full  years, 

For  his  two  children,  drinking  water,  only, 

And  eating  lightly  of  parched  corn  at  sunset — 

Fulfilled  his  vow,  and  hoped  great  Manitou 

Would  pity  show  to  him,  his  offspring  spare. 

As  to  his  murdering  women,  helpless  children, 

It  is  a  fabrication  to  his  hurt ; 

Besides,  that  whites  began  the  war  on  him, 

Shed  the  first  blood,  abundant  proof's  not  wanting. 

Presumptuous,  as  though  heaven  had  given  the  right, 

The  justice  of  the  Indian  cause  to  wave, 

By  summary  means  this  people  to  destroy — 

Themselves  to  honor,  in  their  zeal  for  war 

With  savage  men,  turned  savages  themselves. 

But  no  such  right  was  granted  them  from  heaven. 

The  terms  of  peace,  to  war,  did  not  prefer, 

Nor  show  that  lenity  within  their  power, 

Such  as  became  a  just  and  generous  nation. 

Hence,  has  this  chief  accomplished  his  salvation  ; 

A  name  to  live  while  others  are  extinct, 

While  rivers  flow,  or  sun  and  moon  endures. 


142  BLACK  HAWK,  AND 

XVI. 
PIONEER. 

In  your  position,  as  to  what  you  say, 

My  friend,  about  our  people's  first  aggressions, 

In  shedding  Indian  blood  so  ruthlessly, 

You  are  mistaken,  after  all,  I  deem  ; 

For  sure,  the  massacre  on  Indian  Creek, 

Before  what  you  do  here  relate,  took  place. 

PENNSYLVANIAN. 

I  own  it  did ;  but  Black  Hawk,  nor  his  band, 
When  the  assault  was  made  on  Indian  Creek, 
In  all  the  mischief  there,  had  any  hand. 
By  Pottawatomies,  to  wreak  on  men 
They  hated,  some  revenge — a  treacherous  race  ! 
Sought  by  intrigue,  to  cover  their  disgrace, 
And  plunder  on  the  credit  of  Black  Hawk ; 
And  by  their  cruel  hands  this  deed  was  done, 
And  not,  as  said,  by  Black  Hawk,  or  his  son. 

XVII. 

Now,  I'll  go  on  to  answer  your  request, 

By  giving  you,  a  tale  succinct,  the  rest, 

Of  all  the  grievances  and  causes  which  impelled 

A  chief,  by  dint  of  rectitude  upheld, 

To  open  war  against  such  foes  that  lower, 

The  greatness  of  the  undertaking,  power  ; 

To  be  resisted,  all  his  martial  fire, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  143 


In  all  preceding  wars,  as  each  conspire 
To  make  him  great,  and  to  exalt  his  name 
Above  his  fellows,  in  the  field  of  fame. 


XVIII. 

When  nineteenth  century  ushered  in  its  morn 

Its  march  of  time  began,  ere  Pike  ascended 

The  Mississippi's  stream  or  valley  broad ; 

A  Sac  a  wight  had  slain,  and  was  confined 

In  prison,  at  St.  Louis,  for  the  offence. 

The  nation  held  a  council  in  the  village, 

To  plan  a  way  to  purchase  his  redemption. 

Clothed  with  authority,  five  chiefs  they  sent, 

To  see  the  Indian  agent  at  St.  Louis ; 

To  have  their  friend  released,  do  all  they  could, 

By  paying  for  the  person  they  had  killed. 

This  was  the  only  means  they  knew,  to  save 

One  who  had  killed  another  'mong  themselves, 

And  thought  among  the  whites  it  was  the  same. 

The  chieftains  started  with  a  nation's  hopes  ; 

Relations  of  the  prisoner  blacked  their  faces, 

Fasted,  and  hoped  Great  Spirit  would  take  pity 

On  them  ;  restore  a  husband  and  a  father. 

Long  time  they  stayed  ;  at  length  returned,  encamped 

Far  off,  as  though  ashamed  of  what  they'd  done. 

Dressed  in  fine  coats  appeared,  and  medals  wore. 

All  their  lands  east  of  Mississippi  lying, 

By  the  Wisconsin  bounded  on  the  north, 

And  on  the  east  Fox  River,  part  of  Rock,  . 

Extending  southerly  to  DCS  Moinos'  mouth, 


144  BLACK   HAWK,    AND 

A  tract  including  many  millions  acres, 

The  fools  had  sold  for  thousand  dollars  a  year, 

Price  merely  nominal,  for  so  much  land, 

Drunken  all  the  time  been  gone.     Their  story  was  :- 

They  met  their  American  father  in  St.  Louis, 

Told  him  they  came  to  buy  their  friend's  release. 

He  told  them,  in  return,  he  wanted  land, 

And  they  had  there  agreed  to  give  him  some  ; 

That  when  the  business  was  arranged,  they  thought 

To  see  their  friend  free  to  return  with  them  ; 

But,  when  they  started,  he  was  let  from  prison, 

A  little  way  did  run,  and  was  shot  down  ; 

And  this  was  all  they  knew  of  what  was  done, 

Their  spirits  had  been  steeped  in  fumes  of  rum. 

XIX. 

This  treaty  may  be  called  bone  of  contention, 
As  it  has  been  the  cause  of  much  dissension ; 
Black  Hawk  thereat  was  much  dissatisfied ; 
To  brook  such  things  had  too  much  native  pride. 

PIONEER. 

Now,  since  such  base  intemperance  brings  to  mind 
A  question  I  would  ask,  and  hope  to  find 
Answered  to  Black  Hawk's  credit.     Was  he  not 
Intemperate,  also,  as  the  common  lot  ? 
Happy,  thrice  happy  should  I  be  to  find 
Exception,  noble,  of  so  great  a  mind. 

•  PENNSYLVANIAN. 

And  I  as  much  to  tell  you,  that  you  have  it 
In  him.  Black  Hawk.     He  was  a  prudent  man 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  145 

And,  o'er  his  appetites,  had  just  control : 
He  was  rum's  enemy,  because  he  saw 
The  evil  on  his  nation  it  had  brought. 
Congress,  in  violation  of  their  treaty, 
Permitted  numerous  traders  to  locate ; 
In  rushed  a  band  of  lawless  desperadoes 
Into  his  country,  venders  all  of  spirits  ; 
For  which,  the  Indians'  wealth  they  did  obtain, 
Their  meat  and  peltries,  much  impoverished  them ; 
Became  the  cause  of  much  contention,  strife, 
Promoted  frauds,  and  crimes,  endangering  life, 
And  brought  the  Indians  to  untimely  graves. 
This,  Black  Hawk  saw,  contended  much  aga 
It  made  them,  towards  the  whites,  to  vengeau 
He  went  all  round  to  each  such  vender,  told 
The  fatal  consequences  of  their  course, 
And  met  abuse,  derision,  and  contempt. 
He  feared  aggressions  on  them  would  redound, 
Which,  to  prevent,  on  one  occasion,  meet, 
Head  of  a  whiskey-barrel  stove  he  in, 
Before  the  eyes  of  one  who  would  persist, 
In  violation  of  the  laws,  to  v^nd. 
For  this,  and  other  acts  of  justice  done, 
The  governor  did  declare  the  State  invaded; 
For,  so  he  had  been  told,  a  dreadful  tale, 
By  frontier  settlers,  of  the  baser  kind, 
Who  unto  all  injustice  could  resort, 
Or  any  means  to  force  or  drive  them  thence  ; 
By  proclamation,  called  militia  out, 
And  marshalled  hastily  for  the  frontier  war, 
The  whiskey-venders  to  sustain,  against 
13 


146  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

The  better  claims  of  one  magnanimous  chief  j 

Resulting  in  his  final  overthrow, 

And  swift  destruction  of  the  greater  part. 

xx. 

That  they  no  compensation  adequate, 
For  such  a  large  and  beauteous  country,  gave— 
Five  hundred  miles  in  length,  along  the  vale 
Of  that  majestic  river  lying  fair — 
By  single  case  in  point,  is  fully  proved. 
In  purchase  made  of  Pottawatomies, 
Full  sixteen  thousand  a  year  to  them  they  gave, 
Annuity  forever  to  be  paid, 
For  one  small  tract  of  land,  Chicago  near ; 
While,  to  the  Sacs  and  Renolds,  but  one  thousand 
A  year,  for  tract  full  twenty  times  as  large  ; 
Which  proves,  by  their  own  estimate,  the  worth 
Three  hundred  times  above  what  they  did  give, 


XXI. 

\ 

Near  by  the  place,  and  dwelling  of  the  chief, 
The  soul  of  all  my  song,  now  carne  there  up 
A  band  of  soldiers,  landing  on  Rock  Isle, 
In  hostile  mood,  Fort  Armstrong  'gan  to  build, 
In  time  of  peace,  preparing  for  a  war, 
They  knew  their  own  encroachments  would  bring  on. 
They  took  possession  of  the  pleasant  isle, 
The  garden  horticultural  of  the  tribe, 
Where  dwelt  a  spirit  white,  in  cave  beneath 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  147 

The  rock  whereon  the  fort  was  built,  and  whence, 

With  all  their  noise,  they  frightened  him  away — 

The  oft  resort,  in  early  life's  retreat, 

Of  Black  Hawk,  and  his  people  young,  to  fish, 

And  gather  berries  wild,  and  native  apples. 

Just  on  a  point,  where  Mississippi  meets, 

And  mingles  with  the  Rock  its  rapid  wave, 

Stood  the  Sac  village,  at  the  rapid's  foot. 

In  front,  a  prairie  lined  the  river  bank  ; 

A  bluff  ascending  from  it  in  the  rear, 

But  not  so  steep  as  those  we  fancy  oft ; 

Upon  its  side,  the  cultivated  fields, 

With  lands,  not  so  improved,  a  distance  round, 

Long  used  for  pasturing  steeds,  with  blue  grass  clothed. 

A  hundred  years  here  had  the  village  stood, 

The  undisputed  mistress  of  the  valley. 

The  numerous  islands  round,  dark  forests  clothe — 

The  rivers  harmonize  in  their  conjunction, 

Rock,  with  its  rippling  streams,  appears  to  sight 

The  fair,  surrounding  country's  gentle  slope, 

As  gradually  unto  these  rivers  sinks, 

Delightful  spot  to  render  this  conspire. 


XXII. 

And  now,  they  Black  Hawk  told  to  leave  his  village, 

And  cross  the  Mississippi  to  a  site 

On  the  Iowa,  build  a  distant  city ; 

They  wanted  his,  and  he  must  build  another, 

And  yield,  to  stronger  men,  his  rightful  claim  ; 

As  he  who  had,  of  flocks,  a  multitude, 


148  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 

Did  take,  for  food,  the  poor  man's  only  lamb  ; 
Who,  for  the  needy  earth,  felt  no  regard. 
He  did  remonstrate  with  all  men  of  power — 
What  live  man  would  not,  having  sense,  so  done  ? 
They  told  him  he  his  heritage  had  sold ; 
He  said  he  had  not  sold  it,  or  his  village ; 
Nor  had  his  chiefs  agreed,  in  any  treaty, 
To  yield  the  same,  esteeming  it  reserved  ; 
That  he  should  never  give  it  up  in  life. 
Meantime,  the  leaders  of  th'  inglorious  strife 
Set  fire  to  forty  lodges — burning  down 
No  portion  small  of  this  his  ancient  town. 

XXIII. 

During  the  time  that  Boreas'  chilling  blast 
Swept  o'er  the  strand,  and  icy  winter  reigned, 
And  ere  the  gentle  spring  its  power  obtained, 
While  Black  Hawk,  gone  out  on  his  winter's  hunt, 
Several  white  families  had  possessed  his  village — 
Broke  up  the  lodges,  and  began  to  fence 
His  corn-lots  into  well-assorted  fields, 
Much  to  their  fancy,  fitting  for  the  plough  ; 
About  their  subdivisions  sharp  contending. 
When  this  he  heard,  returning  home,  he  found 
The  tidings  verified,  in  all  he  saw ; 
And,  what  humanity  should  blush  to  name, 
To  his  own  cabin,  tenants  had  laid  claim. 

XXIV. 

Went  to  Fort  Armstrong  and  complained  ;  then  crossed 
The  Mississippi,  to  converse  with  agents. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  149 

Habokieshiek,  the  prophet,  priest,  and  sage, 
A  man  whom  Winnebagoes  all  revere  ; 
His  counsels  held  in  high  repute  by  Sacs — 
And  thus,  with  solemn  weighty  words,  he  spake  : 
Black  Hawk,  do  not  thyself  remove,  or  band  ! 
But  quietly  reside  upon  thy  land  ; 
Within  thy  village  peacefully  remain, 
And  plant,  and  sow,  and  reap  the  fields  of  grain. 
Whites,  though  they  threaten,  will  not  trouble  you  ; 
Thy  women  till,  thy  men  the  chase  pursue  : 
They  flkre  not ;  for  they  must  obey  the  laws, 
And  cannot  harm  thee  well  without  a  cause. 


XXV. 

In  his  appeal  to  Indian  agents  failing, 
Chief  magistrate  of  Illinois  he  sought, 
And  for  his  people  urged  a  due  redress. 
Of  what  indignities  upon  himself 
Had  oft  been  visited — his  being  beaten 
By  whites  most  cruelly,  for  charges  false  ; 
Waylaid,  and  overpowered  while  hunting  game, 
When  club-law  ruled,  as  since  o'er  Mormon  ground. 
He  pointed  to  black  mark  upon  his  face, 
And  said  he  wore  it,  symbol  of  disgrace. 
The  customs  of  his  nation  still  required 
The  wrong  he'd  thus  received  should  be  revenged. 
But  he  chose  rather  to  submit  in  peace, 
Than  to  involve  his  nation  in  a  war, 
As  sure  would  follow,  should  an  Indian  kill, 
Or  even  strike,  a  white  man.     The  aggression 
13* 


BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

A  hundred- fold  would  be  exaggerated. 

Exciting  to  the  war  the  whole  frontier, 

And  Indians  would  be  hunted  like  wild  beasts. 

The  white  men  have  our  growing  corn  destroyed — 

Ploughed  up  our  fields,  our  women,  children  beat ; 

And  to  resist  these  wrongs  we  are  afraid. 

The  Indians  are  invading  us,  they'd  say, 

And  soon  destroying  armies  would  be  sent. 

The  governor  made  reply  :    Why  do  you  not 

Unto  the  president  make  these  things  known  ? 

A  ruler  wise  and  good,  and  will  protect  you. 

"  Our  father's  too  far  off  our  voice  to  hear,"  said  Black 

Hawk. 

But  you  a  letter  unto  him  could  send. 
"  I  could ;  but  white  men  will  write  too,  and  say, 
We,  his  red  children,  lie  ;  and  so  'twould  end." 
And  thus,  among  the  lawless  dwellers  there, 
This  state  of  things  for  seven  long  years  went  on  ; 
During  which  time  no  white  man  did  they  kill, 
Still  quiet  slept  the  vengeful  tomahawk. 
A  savage  race  of  men,  can  such  be  called, 
Who  such  forbearance  well  can  exercise  ? 
Black  Hawk,  if  he  had  been  for  war  inclined, 
The  way  of  peace  and  justice  had  not  chosen, 
And  sought  redress  by  every  moral  means, 
He  might  have  slain,  with  ease,  all  settlers  round, 
Ere  Gaines  had  time  t'  ascend  the  Mississippi, 
Or  any  force  approached  to  succor  them. 
Hence,  is  his  character  from  guilt  redeemed, 
By  noble  virtues  ruling  in  his  breast, 
Where  love  of  country,  kindred,  people  reigned, 
And  for  great  Manitou  peculiar  reverence. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  151 


XXVI. 


PIONEER. 

So,  it  appears,  admitting  that  the  treaty 
Was  just  and  binding,  at  St.  Louis  made, 
That  all  this  time  of  grievances  described, 
The  Indians  to  the  soil  had  perfect  right  ; 
The  claims  of  those  intruders,  all  assumed. 

PENNSYLVANIAN. 

Most  certainly,  this  was,  indeed,  the  case. 
In  treaty  of  St.  Louis,  'twas  agreed, 
Long  as  the  government's  land  remained  unsold 
To  individuals,  Black  Hawk  and  his  band 
Should  ne'er  be  dispossessed,  but  live  and  hunt 
Upon  the  land,  as  though  it  was  their  own. 
Therefore,  the  readiest  method  to  evade 
The  contract  made,  and  drive  the  Indians  out, 
Was,  for  the  president  to  proclaim  a  sale, 
And  vend  the  favorite  village  of  the  Sacs, 
Lands  that  were  coveted  above  the  rest. 
Pursuant  thereunto,  the  thing  was  done, 
And  Black  Hawk,  and  his  tribe,  forthwith  away, 
Ordered  to  leave  the  village  ;  and,  yet  more, 
To  cross  to  Mississippi's  western  shore. 

PIONEER. 

Yet,  even  then,  they  had  a  right  to  stay 
On  all  those  millions  acres  round  them  lay, 


152  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

That  Congress  had  not  sold.     Why  then  require 
That  they  should,  from  their  country,  so  retire, 
Which  they  had  still  a  right  to  occupy, 
The  lands,  for  fifty  miles  around,  that  lie  ? 
>3ince  you  have  said  the  frontier  settlements 
Were  distant  fifty  miles,  a  breadth  intense. 

PENNSYLVANI  AN. 

The  case  doth  need  a  little  explanation, 

I  find.     I  meant,  that  no  embodied  part 

Of  Illinois'  great  border  farther  reached 

Than  miles  two-score  and  ten,  from  river  Rock. 

Howbeit,  some  settlements,  a  distance  great, 

At  mouth  of  Rock,  were  made,  detached  from  others, 

And  at  Galena,  wondrous  mart  of  lead. 

As  for  requiring  them  to  cross  the  river, 

The  only  reason  for  it,  that  I  know, 

Is  what  before  I've  stated,  they  did  want 

Their  lands,  and,  for  their  lands,  would  them  expel. 

But  Black  Hawk  would  not  go  ;  hence  the  strong  aim 

Of  States  United,  was  against  him  raised — 

An  army,  far  too  great  for  him  to  meet, 

Was  set,  in  dread  array  of  battle,  near, 

Just  coming  down  upon  him,  forced  him  o'er 

To  the  west  side  of  Mississippi's  shore, 

Where  he,  with  all  his  people,  camped  in  tents — 

For  his  protection,  raised  a  flag  of  truce. 

XXVII. 

Here,  to  disturb  their  peace,  new  troubles  rose. 
Had  been  expelled  from  fields  which  they  had  sown, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  153 

And  where  stood  high  and  fair  their  growing  corn, 

At  time  too  late  to  plant  a  second  time. 

About  the  time  of  harvest  and  green  corn, 

To  feel  the  effects  of  what  they'd  lost,  began  ; 

The  women  crossed  unto  the  fields  they'd  planted, 

To  gather  corn,  they  held  to  be  their  own ; 

Were  by  the  whites  shot  at,  and  driven  away, 

Empty,  and  destitute  as  when  they  came. 

Meanwhile,  a  band  of  Renolds,  to  revenge 

The  murders  that  Menominees  had  done, 

Unto  their  people,  went  to  Prairie  du  Chien, 

And,  falling  on  them,  slew  a  score  and  eight. 

It  was  demanded,  Renolds,  this  had  done, 

Should  be  surrendered  up,  tried  by  our  laws. 

To  interfere  in  a  domestic  quarrel, 

Between  two  nations,  and  for  us  to  judge, 

And  punish  them  for  acts  done  to  each  other, 

Is  not  our  business,  doth  not  well  accord ; 

Is  too  much  like  the  by-gone  days,  when  we 

Were  forced  to  send  our  countrymen  o'er  sea, 

There  to  be  tried  for  things  that  here  were  done, 

By  strangers,  who  were  foreign  to  the  case ; 

While  a  strong  arm  made  justice  too  severe. 

'Twas  wrong,  Black  Hawk  maintained,  and  would  not 

yield. 

Another  cause,  was  this,  of  discontent ; 
He  was  indignant  at  their  sanguine  way 
Of  doing  summary  justice  to  the  tribes. 
He,  of  their  right  or  wrong,  knew  not  their  standard, 
And,  whether  they  had  any,  seemed  to  doubt : 
Deeming,  a  wondrous  quaint  one,  it  must  be, 
That  measured  justice  in  the  scale  of  power. 


154  ntACK    IIAWlt,    AND 

Wabokieshiek,  the  prophet,  guide,  and  sage, 

On  national  aflairs,  went  to  consult 

The  chiefs  of  several  tribes  he  goes  to  see, 

Who  sympathize,  to  grant  their  aid  agree. 

Sends  Neopope,  his  second  in  command, 

Upon  a  message  to  a  distant  land  ; 

To  Maiden,  to  consult  his  British  father, 

Whether  they  could  retain,  in  his  opinion, 

Their  village,  which,  by  white  men,  ne'er  was  bought. 

His  British  father  told  him  he  could  hold  it, 

Against  all  claims,  if  he  had  never  sold  it. 


XXVIII. 

On  his  return,  the  prophet  called  to  see, 

Who  to  him  said  : — When  joyful  spring  comes  round. 

The  British  forces  will  be  on  the  ground, 

The  Pottawatamies,  and  Winnebagoes, 

And  Chippeways,  to  render  you  assistance, 

Your  village  to  regain,  and  lands  around  ; 

And  promised  what  of  aid  was  in  his  power, 

Deliverance  joyful,  in  a  gracious  hour. 

Black  Hawk  his  force  augments  ;  daily  recruits, 

From  villages  around,  unto  him  flock. 

Solicits  oft,  for  aid,  the  Watchful  Fox, 

Who,  with  his  band,  rejects  the  overture. 


PIONEER. 

There  is  a  point,  beyond  which,  if  men  go, 
Submission  ceases  to  remain  a  virtue. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  155 


If  what  you  here  relate,  the  half  be  true, 
This  chief,  to  go  to  war,  had  ample  cause. 


PENNSYLVANIA!*. 

Jt  is  most  true  !  and  for  it  I  will  vouch  ; 
Having  heard  much  myself,  and  seen  still  more, 
Good  cause  !  as  good  as  ever  warrior  drew 
A  sword  to  aid,  oppression's  cheek  to  tinge, 
And  set  at  liberty  a  captive  soul. 


BLACK  HAWK, 


SCENES   IN   THE   WEST. 


CANTO    IV. 


THE      ARGUMENT. 

The  armies  predicted  and  predestined  by  fate,  come  forcibly  into  the  land 
of  Nit-o-me-ma  and  Omaint-si-ar-nah — The  Sacs  and  Foxes,  under  the 
command  of  their  celebrated  chieftain,  Black  Hawk,  make  a  formidable 
resistance — Three  families  are  massacred  upon  the  frontiers — Several 
skirmishes  and  battles  are  fought  between  small  detachments  of  the  con 
tending  armies — The  intrepidity  of  General  Dodge — The  speech  and  re 
treat  of  Black  Hawk — Description  of  the  country  over  which  this  retreat 
is  conducted — Battle  of  Wisconsin — A  farther  description  of  scenes  in 
the  West. 

I. 

Now,  in  process  of  time,  it  came  to  pass, 
Long  after  many  generations  gone, 
The  armies,  predestined  by  sovereign  fate, 
Into  the  land  of  Omaint-si-ar-nah, 
And  Nit-o-me-ma,  forcibly  did  come. 
For  white  men,  through  their  agents  long  had  sought, 
To  gain  possession  of  this  goodly  land  ; 
It  being  a  part  of  that  great  river's  valley, 
14* 


158  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Known  as  Wisconsin  State  and  Illinois. 

And  what  by  subtlety,  and  what  by  threats, 

And  long  persuasion,  they  at  length  succeeded 

In  gaining  from  the  Sacs  and  Renolds,  their 

Reluctant  resignation  of  all  lands 

East  of  great  father  of  the  waters  lying. 

The  whites  possession  took,  cut  down  the  forests, 

Broke  up  the  fallow-ground,  excepting  none, 

Not  e'en  the  burying-places  of  their  people, 

Nor  bones  of  their  forefathers,  sacred  held. 

They  reared  up  altars,  temples  dedicated 

To  other  gods  the  Indians  did  not  know, 

Or  had  ideas  but  faint,  and  shadowy,  vain  ; 

Changed  times  and  customs,  introducing  laws, 

And  usages  much  prejudicial  to 

The  welfare  of  confederate  Renolds,  Sacs  ; 

Curtailed  their  hunting-grounds,  and  ruined  them  : 

Removed  their  ancient  landmarks,  blocked  up  rivers, 

And  drove  away  the  fish,  their  game  destroyed, 

Which  the  Great  Spirit  placed  upon  the  earth, 

Especially  for  the  Indian's  benefit. 

Fire-water,  also,  'mong  them  introduced, 

Which  soon  destroyed  their  reason  and  their  lives, 

And  thousands  brought  to  an  untimely  end. 

These  things  they  did  before  the  Indian  title 

Became  extinct,  and  while  they  yet  retained 

Sole  right  of  occupancy  in  themselves  ; 

And  while  they  added  crime  to  crime,  the  thief 

Cried  loudest  of  them  all,  stop  thief!  stop  thief! 

Against  the  Indians,  charging  them  with  guilt, 

As  Pot'phar's  wife  'gainst  Joseph  raised  her  voice. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  159 

They  drove  them  out  beyond  the  Mississippi, 
Strange  lands  to  occupy,  remote  still  more  ; 
A  country  no  such  hunting-grounds  possessing, 
And  fishing  privileges — where  their  game  was  scarce, 
Where  they  could  gain  but  miserable  subsistence. 


ii. 

The  Sacs  and  Foxes  bitterly  repented  ^ 

That  they  had  ever  given  their  consent, 
Howe'er  reluctant,  to  renounce  their  right 
Unto  this  happy  land  ;  or,  that  they  ever, 
On  any  terms,  consented  thereunto  ; 
And  under  their  great  chief  in  arms,  Black  Hawk, 
From  Gentle  Dove  a  lineal  descendant,       ^    ?'?'  *>  /\t*  1 
Resolved  they  would  return  unto  their  land,      fl  j    J,,   j,  t  ^ 
Even  the  goodly  land  their  fathers  gave, 
And  fight  for  it,  with  muskets,  bows  and  arrows, 
And  with  their  tomahawks,  unto  the  last ; 
And  so  defending,  spill  their  own  heart's  blood. 
So,  under  guidance  and  command  of  him, 
This  celebrated  chieftain,  they  recrossed 
The  Mississippi,  Rock  ascending  up, 
And  took  possession  of  their  native  soil. 
But  when  the  great  Sanhedrim  of  the  whites 
^id  hear  thereof,  they  straightway  called  a  council- 
deliberated  what  course  to  pursue, 
What  thing  they  best  should  do  unto  these  men. 
They  studied  the  great  balance,  odds  of  power 
Between  them  and  this  people — overlooked 
By  Sacs  and  Foxes  struggling  for  their  rights, 


160  BLACK    HAWK, 


By  placing  all  at  hazard,  in  one  efiort 
Most  desjvrate,  to  regain  what  they  had  lost. 
Finding  that  they  had  everything  to  hope. 
From  their  unequalled  strength,  and  least  to  feai 
From  the  poor  Indian's  weak  and  puny  arm, 
They  were  not  long  in  making  a  decision  ; 
Resolved,  at  once,  to  dispossess  them  quiie. 
Without  a  ceremonial,  timber  treaty, 
And  forcibly  destroy,  or  drive  them  thence, 
Pursuant  to  this  resolution  made. 
And  for  the  execution  of  this  purpose, 
The  nation's  chief  did  order  Atkinson. 
With  an  army,  to  ascend  the  Mississippi. 


m. 

His  military  post  at  OW  Point  Comfort. 
Where  Chesapeake  presents  his  winding  bay. 
Left  General  Scott,  with  all  his  regular  troops. 
And  New  York  volunteers  ;  ascending  up 
The  chain  of  northern  lakes,  by  Mackina. 
On  their  way  up,  the  volunteers,  and  others. 
Sickened,  and  died  in  numbers  at  Fort  Gratiot  : 
The  rest  became  disheartened,  and  returned. 
The  regular  troops  went  on,  and  on  their  way. 
Many  were  launched  into  a  watery  tomb. 
Sailed  up  Lake  Michigan,  unto  its  head  : 
Passed  the  twin  cities,  Southport  and  Racine, 
Which  vie  in  beauty,  business,  commerce,  wealth, 
Insomuch,  that  as  yet  'tis  all  unknown 
Whether  the  one  will  have  more  rapid  growth. 


I3f   THE    WWT. 


>,  both  go  hand  in  hand  together  on, 
And  prosperous  prore  alike,  a  happy  pair. 

Tke  general  at  Chicago  lands  kis  troops, 
ii- •    ,       _  _  •    .«.„„  _  «      »  —  -    ,_  ,|i  «^- 

*  *..-:.-:    ..."•     .  •    ?*r  ~..    -i    _  - ^-. ..-- .     •-  -.  ..  -        . 


&nv  enMainflsl  & 

Lake  navigation  lying  at  the  head ; 
Head  of  canal,  in  pros; 
To  join  the  lake  with  Illinois'  free 
Here,  most  a  place  of  great  i 
TLs  much  the  largest,  most  commercial 
In  Illinois:  with  sock  a  rapid  growth  ; 
And  largest  on  this  lake  wffl  ever  be, 
Unless  Milwaukee,  city  more  hydraulic. 
By  any  means  be  able  to  transcend  it. 
Each,  em,  owing  to  its  situation, 
Its  rapid  coarse  wia  hold,  continnestiD 
To  be  the  largest  in  its  State  respective. 
Again  the  cholera's  pnrfilr«tbl  breath, 
Disease  of  mortal  kind,  inflicting  denth ; 
First  breaking  oat  in  cities  Asiatic, 
And  far  remote,  had  overspread  the  earth 
With  devastation— heaped  it  with  the  dead, 

Tf    11   ^     .l^n.   1 ,_J  _  -  -  '  : -    -  - 

r  ell  on  mem  nere,  ana  many  sovneiv  fum. 
The  general,  with  his  few  surviving  troops, 
After  he'd  been  detained  a  mnar  month, 
The  people  here  a  rei 
Within  the  fort,  took  np  Us  fine  of 
Journeyed  a  northwest  course,  to  form  a  j 
With  General  Atkinson's  superior  army. 
14* 


162  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

IV. 

Of  Black  Hawk  and  his  followers,  'twas  demanded 

They  should  surrender  up  into  the  hands 

Of  General  Atkinson,  as  murderers, 

All  persons  of  their  nation,  who  engaged 

In  conflict  at  Fort  Crawford,  Prairie  du  Chien, 

Where  twenty-eight  Menominees  had  been  slain  ; 

That  they  should  straight  evacuate  the  soil, 

The  Mississippi  instantly  recross  ; 

Demands,  of  course,  that  neither  met  regard, 

Or  least  compliance  on  the  Indian's  part. 

So  the  belligerents,  each,  prepared  to  test 

The  rightful  occupation  of  that  soil, 

Disputed  thus,  by  an  appeal  to  arms. 

Black  Hawk  was  now  ascending  up  Rock  river, 

And  on  the  way  to  the  Prophet's  town,  above  ; 

With  him,  his  troops  ;  when  he  was  overtaken 

By  an  express  from  General  Atkinson, 

Fort  Armstrong;  ordering  him  to  change  his  course, 

Return,  and  straight  recross  the  Mississippi, 

Which  he  refused  t'  obey  upon  the  ground 

The  general  had  no  right  to  make  such  order. 

He  on  his  own  ground  stood,  by  treaty  privileged, 

Was  going,  in  peace,  unto  the  Prophet's  town, 

To  raise  a  crop  of  corn  at  his  request. 

In  Anno  Domini,  eighteen  thirty-two, 

Soon  as  had  made  her  bright  appearance  there, 

The  ever-welcome,  smiling  Queen  of  May, 

About  the  woods  and  plains  of  Pick-e-ton-ic', 

Put  on  her  robe  of  greenest  hue,  the  birds, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  163 

Arrayed  in  plumes  of  beauty,  warbling  songs, 
Rejoicing  round  her  with  ecstatic  strain, 
A  great  collision  of  the  hosts  took  place, 
And  river  Rock,  th'  adjacent  country  round, 
Became  the  scene  of  terror,  havoc,  blood. 


v. 

The  settlers  of  this  region  had,  already, 

Laid  out  their  gardens,  walks,  and  pleasure-grounds, 

Planted  their  esculent  roots,  their  early  corn, 

Yellow,  and  sowed  their  fields  with  seed,  spring  wheat, 

Their  garden  vegetables,  various  seeds, 

Committed  to  the  bosom  of  the  earth. 

The  plants  had  just  sprung  up,  and  fields  assumed 

A  green  appearance,  when  the  tidings  fell, 

Of  war,  like  unto  mighty  avalanche, 

Upon  the  thinly-scattered  population 

Of  that  whole  region  of  the  country  round. 

VI. 

The  Pottawatomies  had  made  assault 

On  Indian  Creek,  near  to  the  Big  Woods,  lying 

On  both  sides  of  the  gentle,  south-flowing  Fox, 

Rivulet  long  and  straight,  meandering  through 

A  part  of  Illinois  and  South  Wisconsin, 

Where  little  cities  all  along  its  banks, 

As  though  by  magic  raised,  are  springing  up. 

Here,  low  down,  where  it  joins  the  Illinois, 

Stands  Ottawa,  near  where  th'  Indians  fell. 


164  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Three  families  here,  they'd  slain,  lie  in  their  gore, 

Excepting  persons  two,  whom  they  slew  not ; 

These  were  two  females,  beautiful  and  gay, 

The  two  Miss  Halls.     They  were  so  ruddy,  young, 

And  fair  to  look  upon,  the  Indians  were 

Enamored  of  their  beauty,  could  not  find 

It  in  their  hearts  to  kill  them.     Therefore,  they 

Did  spare  their  lives,  and  carry  them  far  off, 

Beyond  the  river,  treated  them  with  kindness, 

Affection,  and  were  loth  to  part  with  them. 

Long  time  there  held,  but  were,  at  length,  restored 

Unto  their  land,  but  not  unto  their  people. 

The  rest  of  these  three  households,  fifteen  souls, 

Were  slain  this  spot.     Davis,  though  coward  called, 

Defended,  with  great  heroism,  his  house, 

His  gun  dismantling  in  the  fierce  encounter, 

And  actually  killed  four  Indians,  it  is  said. 


VII. 

Now,  terrible  the  horror  and  surprise 
Which,  through  the  land  of  Nit-o-me-ma,  reigns  ! 
Wild  consternation  pale,  their  vitals  seize  ; 
Their  blood  runs  cold  and  slowly  in  their  veins. 

Hearts  failing  them,  o'ercome  by  sudden  fear, 
The  messenger  of  death  in  savage  plight, 
Each  hourly  looks  for  at  his  door  full  near, 
Each,  for  himself,  feels  safety  but  in  flight — 

And  most  of  all  was  anxious  to  begone ; 
Forsaking  all,  some  south,  some  eastward  fled, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  165 

And  others  to  the  army,  and  where'er 
The  plain  and  open  road  of  safety  led. 

Leaving  their  homes,  their  tenements  and  lands, 

To  the  free  use  of  Indians  in  advance, 

Goods,  granaries,  stores,  herds,  swine,  and  fleecy  bands, 

To  whomsoe'er  to  come  that  way  might  chance. 

Deserted  hamlets  left  for  timid  rabbit, 
Or  bear,  or  wily  serpent,  cunning  fox, 
Fierce  wolf,  or  other  creature  to  inhabit, 
Such  with  the  many,  such  their  panic  shocks. 

Yea !  true  it  was,  that  wandering  bands  of  men 
Took  up  their  lodgings  here,  in  these  abodes  ; 
Finding,  in  rooms  apart,  and  cellar's  glen, 
Provisions  diverse,  sang  their  merry  odes. 

Made  preparations  due,  and  sat  them  down 
To  eat  and  drink,  as  at  the  table  free 
Of  some  manorial  lord,  of  great  renown, 
In  Britain's  isle,  beside  the  Northern  Sea. 

In  short,  such  was  their  haste  to  make  their  flight, 
The  prone  sensations  of  their  feelings  strong, 
Left  things  of  need,  their  way  to  expedite, 
Which,  better,  safer,  had  they  ta'en  along. 

They  could  not  halt,  or  brook  the  least  delay, 
Danger  so  imminent  hung  o'er  their  heads, 
To  pick  up  what  in  haste  fell  by  the  way, 
Lest  they  should  meet  their  fate  in  gory  beds. 


166  JiLACK    HAWK,    AND 


Having  escaped  with  life  from  blood-stained  hands, 
And  dangers  passed,  they  grateful  bless  the  light 
That  freed  their  souls  from  unrelenting  bands, 
And  aided  them  to  perpetrate  their  flight. 


VIII. 

Detachments  of  the  army  of  assailants, 

Combined  in  their  advance  to  Dixon's  Ferry, 

Upon  the  waters  of  romantic  Rock  ; 

Which,  like  the  great  St.  Lawrence'  wave  august — 

'Mid  lakes  has  its  own  course,  an  honored  stream. 

So  doth  the  Catfish,  tributary  branch, 

Where,  'tween  two  lakes,  whose  waters  ever  clear 

And  cool,  and  plenteous  stored  with  fish, 

Stands  Madison,  the  capitolian  town, 

Handsomely  situated  on  a  rising  ground ; 

From  which,  at  distance  great,  it  may  be  seen ; 

Yet  stood  not  then,  not  e'en  in  embryo,  there, 

A  witness  to  this  tragical  affair. 

The  army  had  advanced  to  Sycamore, 

A  little  tributary  stream  of  Rock, 

Where  Black  Hawk  lay  ;  was  getting  up  a  feast, 

In  honor  of  his  new  allies,  had  come. 

That  day  he  heard  the  army  of  the  foe 

Was  drawing  nigh,  sent  out  a  flag  of  truce, 

A  message,  borne  by  three  men,  unto  them, 

To  say,  that  he  for  peace  was  much  inclined  ; 

To  ask  a  deputation  to  his  camp, 

Or  he  would  come  in  person  them  to  see* 

Long  gone,  he  sent  five  men,  another  party, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  167 

To  see  what  had  become  of  those  first  sent. 

They,  taken  prisoners  by  the  whites,  made  known 

Their  message,  and  were  fired  on,  and  one  killed 

In  cold  blood,  in  the  camp.     The  others  fled. 

Next  party  came  ;  but  whites,  instead  of  waiting 

To  hear  their  peaceful  message  from  their  chief, 

Rushed  towards  them  violently,  with  weapons  drawn, 

So  that  they  turned  about,  and  fled  away. 

The  whites  pursued,  o'ertook  and  slew  two  men  ; 

The  rest  escaped,  and  told  it  to  their  chief. 

Down  came  the  volunteers,  in  hot  pursuit, 

Even  to  the  camp  of  Black  Hawk.     Fifty  warriors 

With  him  were  all ;  the  rest  were  ten  miles  oflf, 

The  aged  chief  arose,  and  seized  his  arms, 

And  ordered  all  his  braves  to  follow  him. 

Food  for  the  feast  they  left  to  lie  untouched  ; 

He  raised  a  yell,  and  spoke  thus  to  his  men : 

Some  of  our  people  have  been  cruelly  murdered, 

And  wantonly.     We  must  avenge  their  death. 

Soon  saw  the  army  coming  up  on  gallop  ; 

In  front  of  some  low  bushes,  placed  his  men — 

He  rose,  rushed  forward,  fired,  and  gave  a  yell. 

His  braves  all  promptly  followed  his  example  ; 

Came  up,  and  manfully  charged  the  fronting  foe, 

Who  turned  about  in  utter  consternation, 

And  swiflly  fled  before  the  aged  chief, 

Who  followed  them  some  distance  ;  many  fell. 

Returned  unto  his  camp,  and  sitting  down, 

Thanked  the  Great  Spirit  for  his  good  success. 

The  whites  fled  through  their  camp,  nor  did  they  halt 

Till  they  had  reached  Fort  Dixon,  far  away  ; 


168  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Leaving  camp  equipage,  and  all  supplies. 
To  fall  into  those  hands  they  came  to  slay. 
They  called  their  roll  next  morn,  when  they  did  find 
They'd  lost,  by  this  engagement,  fifty  souls. 


IX. 

The  chief,  encouraged  by  such  victory  gained, 
With  men  so  few  o'er  such  superior  force, 
And  strengthened  by  the  booty  he  had  won, 
Counting  on  those  supplies  which  he  had  ta'en, 
Prepared  for  active  war,  and  to  remove 
The  wives  and  children  from  the  field  of  fight, 
To  the  Four  Lakes,  head  waters  of  Rock  river  ; 
To  watch  the  threatening  foe,  his  spies  sent  out. 
Soon  after  this,  where  artful  Dodge  was  stationed, 
There  came  a  band  of  Indians,  numbers  small ; 
Few  men  they  slew,  and  fled.     They  did  not  well 
To  come  so  near  this  energetic  chieftain. 
How  could  they  deem  it  possible  at  all, 
T'  evade  a  hero  of  his  chivalry  ? 
With  twenty-nine  of  his  best  chosen  men, 
Mounted  on  fleetest  steeds,  pursued  the  foe. 
They  crossed  the  Pick-e-ton-ic',  so  did  he  ; 
Took  refuge  in  a  swamp.     He  followed  on, 
Impenetrable  as  they  deemed  it  was. 
Dismounting  there,  he  ordered  his  dragoons 
To  link  their  steeds.     Four  men  he  left  in  charge, 
Four  stationed  round  the  swamp  on  higher  ground, 
To  watch  the  motions  of  the  hidden  foe. 
With  the  remainder  'gan  to  scour  the  swamp ; 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  169 

Found  where  the  Indians  lay,  who  had  perceived 
His  coming,  artfully  hid,  with  rifles  drawn 
Up  to  their  shoulders,  ready-pointed,  primed. 
He  met  their  sudden  fire  at  thirty  feet  ; 
They'd  thrown  themselves  flat  down  upon  the  ground 
Behind  an  elevated  ridge  cf  land, 
Where  they  could  see,  and  not  be  seen  by  him, 
Until  their  fire  had  told  him  where  they  lay. 
Three  of  his  gallant  soldiers  fell  down  slain  ; 
But  no  accursed  ball  from  savage  rifle, 
Permitted  was  to  smite  that  ardent  breast. 
Stand  firm  as  death,  my  men,  the  hero  said, 
And  to  the  glorious  charge  his  soldiers  led. 
With  one  accord  they  rushed  upon  the  foe ; 
Now,  short  and  sanguinary  was  the  conflict. 
Soon,  through  the  gallantry  of  their  commande 
The  efficacy  of  their  well-poised  rifles, 
Wielded  by  valiant  men,  succeeded  they 
In  cutting  down  the  foe.     Indeed,  one  thought 
To  have  escaped,  well-nigh  accomplished  it, 
The  river  swimming ;  ne'ertheless  was  he 
Shot  down  upon  the  opp'site  bank,  although, 
That  moment,  in  all  probability, 
He  had  supposed  himself  quite  out  of  danger. 
A  smart  engagement,  'tween  two  similar  bands, 
On  Apple  Creek  soon  followed  ;  fighting  close, 
With  bayonet,  scalping-knifc  ;  when  Stephenson, 
The  captain  of  the  troops,  was  wounded  sore, 
And  several  of  his  soldiers  fell  in  blood. 
The  Indians  were  defeated  on  that  day, 
Twelve  lifeless  bodies  on  the  field  left  they. 
15 


170  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 


Meantime,  Dement,  with  one  battalion  full, 

Of  mounted  volunteers,  drew  out  his  force, 

And  was  attacked,  at  Buffalo  Grove,  by  Black  Hawk, 

Four  leagues  to  north  of  Dixon's  hostile  ferry, 

With  equal  numbers  marshalled  for  the  war. 

Dement  was  bold  to  stand  an  equal  fight ; 

His  men,  the  contest  to  avoid,  preferred. 

Black  Hawk  had  got  between  them  and  their  camp, 

And  artfully  intercepted  their  retreat, 

And  left  them  no  alternative,  but  fight, 

And  cut  their  way  back  to  their  camp,  or  fall. 

On  the  first  onset,  several  his  dragoons 

Dement  saw  fall,  together  with  their  steeds. 

Foaming  and  bounding,  went  down  horse  and  rider, 

Mingling  their  blood  together  in  the  sand. 

Added  to  this,  the  clanking  sound  of  arms, 

Of  rifles,  and  the  yell  of  savage  men, 

And  consternation  by  all  these  brought  on, 

The  fiery  steeds  became  unmanageable. 

Such  was  the  panic  felt,  such  the  confusion. 

That,  for  Dement,  it  was  impossible 

To  form  his  men  in  an  established  line. 

Dragoons,  unnumbered,  fell,  and  forty  steeds 

Lay  bleeding  on  the  ground.     The  aged  chief 

Defeated  and  pursued  them  to  their  camp, 

As  though  in  youthful  vigor.     Still  his  arm 

In  battle  mighty  was.     He  was  upheld 

By  consciousness  of  his  own  rectitude, 

A  purpose  firm,  and  onward  in  his  course, 


SCENES   IN    THE    WEST.  171 

f 

Impelled  by  motives  powerful  most  to  move, 
And  actuate  the  breasts  of  savage  men  ; 
Attachment  to  their  country,  and  revenge 
For  injuries  unredress'd,  too  long  endured. 
His  men  would  fain  besiege,  and  burn  the  fort ; 
But  he,  beholding  it  well  fortified, 
Impregnable,  told  them,  as  they  had  chased 
The  bear  into  his  hole,  they'd  leave  him  there, 
And,  to  their  own  encampment,  all  repair. 

XI. 

Over  the  numerous  skirmishes  taking  place, 

Between  detachments  small  of  troops  contending, 

On  either  side,  proceed  we  now  to  pass. 

Indeed,  of  little  consequence  are  these ; 

And  irksome  might  become  minute  detail 

Unto  the  reader,  whom  we  would  prefer 

Rather  to  disappoint  by  some  conciseness, 

Than  tire  by  long  prolixity  of  words. 

Therefore,  untouched,  unsung,  these  minor  things 

Leaving,  as  matter  for  the  muse  unfit, 

Or  history  more  sublime,  we  hasten  on 

To  the  place  of  sanguine  fight,  those  two  engagements, 

Where  the  whole  strength  of  each  belligerent  power, 

And  force  were  all  united  under  one, 

Beneath  their  leaders,  host  confronting  host. 

True,  in  the  different  skirmishes  between 

Small  parties  of  the  hostile  bands,  the  braves 

Of  Black  Hawk  got  the  better  of  their  foe 

Sometimes  ;  yet,  on  the  whole,  th'  advantage  lay 


172  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

On  th'  other  side ;  and,  as  they'd  not  succeeded 

In  driving  out  the  armies  of  the  whites, 

Nor,  yet,  in  gaining  peaceable  possession, 

The  object  of  the  contest  so  securing, 

In  their  location  permanently  there, 

Must  be  considered,  at  this  signal  juncture, 

As  having  suffered,  virtually,  defeat. 

Of  this  astounding  fact,  so  clearly  seen, 

E'en  the  great  Black  Hawk,  blind  as  was,  and  led 

By  impulse  of  one  high  commanding  passion, 

Revenge  for  wrongs,  and  ultimate  redress 

Of  grievances,  seemed  duly  sensible  ; 

For,  gathering  in  his  bands  from  every  quarter, 

Calling  a  council  of  his  bravest  warriors, 

In  language  sorrowful,  and  with  chagrin, 

His  hard  misfortunes  to  them  all  expressed, 

At  not  being  able  to  make  head  against 

The  combined  armies  of  his  stronger  foe. 

A  general  council,  both  of  chiefs  and  braves, 

Was  soon  convoked.     A  circle  forming  round, 

Under  a  shady  grove,  they  seat  themselves 

On  the  green  grass,  prepared  to  hear,  with  reverence, 

The  words  of  their  high  chief.     He  sat  amidst, 

Clothed  in  his  military  bright  costume, 

With  shrine,  containing  holy  things,  and  sacred, 

Before  him,  handed  down  from  sire  to  son. 

His  face  was  painted  raven-colored  deep, 

And  striped  with  red ;  his  crown  with  feathers  luffed. 

Broaches  did  glitter  round  him  ;  'bout  his  neck, 

Encircling,  too,  each  knee,  a  beaded  belt ; 

Borne  in  his  hand  a  flag,  an  ensign  bright 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST.  173 

Of  his  authority.     Upon  his  breast 

A  costly  rnedal,  curious  workmanship, 

Glittered;  received  of  British  general  both, 

For  service  lately  rendered  them  in  war. 

Tie  in  their  midst  arose.     Upon  his  brow 

Sat  care  ;  and,  on  his  countenance,  austere, 

Depicted  was  a  frown,  but  not  against 

His  people.     Those  he  loved  and  cherished,  aye. 

His  eye  was  fiery,  for  a  moment  rolled 

In  silence  round  them,  unto  heaven  it  turned, 

Great  Spirit's  abode,  with  a  devotion  pure ; 

Then  settled  on  the  throng ;  and,  deeply  conscious 

Of  what  he  was  to  utter,  with  his  hands 

Uplifted  towards  the  heavens,  he  thus  began  : — 


XII, 


Souls  of  the  free  !  tried  in  adversity, 
Known  to  be  faithful !  whose  magnanimous  hearts 
Do  palpitate  in  unison  with  my  own  ! 
'Tis  not  without  reluctance,  deepest  grief, 
That  I,  for  once,  to  you  should  name  retreat. 
A  white  flag  twice  to  white  men  has  been  sent, 
For  peace  to  sue,  as  oft  has  been  fired  on. 
We're  not  allowed  the  privilege  of  a  truce, 
For  terms  of  peace  to  treat.     No  !  cruel  foes 
Thirst  for  our  blood,  and  will  no  quarter  give. 
They  have  forgotten  I  their  prisoners  spared, 
When  for  my  British  father  I  did  fight, 
Forbade  the  murder  at  the  risk  of  life. 
Evil  for  good,  to  me  they  have  returned — 
15* 


174  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 

Oppression  justice  call ;  right  they  make  wrong. 
They  call  themselves  the  injured  party,  we 
Th'  aggressors !     Shame  !     Such  reasoning  becomes 
None  but  base  robbers.     Driven  us  from  our  soil ! 
And  seized  our  pleasant  country  for  themselves ! 
Where  I  did  hope  to  spend  my  few  last  years, 
And  sleep  in  quiet  with  the  pious  dead  ; 
Their  graves,  their  soil,  their  bones,  sacred  to  me. 
And  now,  because  we  boldly  ask  our  right, 
Call  us  intruders  ;  and  for  this  good  cause 
Determine  to  destroy  and  kill  us  quite. 
My  warriors,  you  do  know,  can  witness  bear, 
JTis  not  for  lack  of  zeal,  or  courage  good, 
In  me  betrayed,  that  prompts  a  prudent  course- 
That  we  keep  not  possession  of  our  lands, 
But  foes  allow  to  take  our  country  from  us. 
'Tis  of  necessity,  as  you  can  see, 
The  course  of  fate ;  a  prelude  to  our  fall. 
O  had  I  power  to  vindicate  my  cause  ; 
I'd  make  their  own  injustice  prove  their  ruin  ! 
Perhaps  some  other  power,  another  day, 
May  wipe  from  us  th'  inglorious  stain  away. 
Now,  as  he  sternly  spake,  the  crystal  drops 
From  his  dilated  eyes  flowed  copious  down 
His  furrowed,  care-worn  cheeks.     For  his  gray  hairs 
Already  had  been  seared,  and  blanched  by  time  ; 
His  days  had  numbered  three-score  years  and  six. 


His  eye  was  not  yet  dim,  nor  yet  his  powers 
Of  mind  essentially  impaired,  but  still 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  175 

Ardent  and  eloquent,  well  to  express 

What  feelings  strong  impelled.     Thus  he  went  on  : 

The  actions  of  my  life,  my  valor  prove. 

When  in  my  father's  day,  th'  Osages  made 

Encroachments  on  our  tribe,  and  murdered  oft, 

A  youth  of  fifteen,  by  my  father's  side, 

I  fought  against  them,  and  prevailed,  and  slew 

Two  men ;  their  scalps  unto  my  father  brought. 

He  looked  on  me  and  smiled,  pleased  with  the  skill 

And  bravery  of  his  son.     Then  was  my  name 

Enrolled  among  the  brave.     Distinguished  thus, 

Permitted  was  to  paint,  and  feathers  wear  ; 

And  join  the  dance,  which  none  but  warriors  share. 

Osages  still  continuing  their  assaults, 

I  raised  soon  after  this  two  hundred  men  ; 

And  heading  these,  into  their  country  far 

I  travelled,  till  I  met  an  equal  band. 

They  fought  with  desperation — each  appeared 

Determined  still  on  victory,  or  death. 

Osages  many  fell  before  they  fled, 

Upon  the  field  they  left  a  hundred  dead. 

Five  lusty  men  by  my  own  hand  were  slain, 

In  this  hard  battle  on  the  sandy  plain. 

Now,  'gainst  another  foe,  the  Cherokees, 

My  father  turned  his  arms  ;  for  they  had  slain 

Some  of  our  women,  helpless  children,  too. 

We  fought.     Their  numbers  far  exceeded  ours. 

My  father,  most  exposed,  fell  first ;  then  I 

Assumed  command,  and  gained  the  victory — 

With  my  own  hand,  three  sturdy  Indians  slew. 

The  dead  I  buried,  and,  returning  home, 


176  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Deeply  affected  with  my  father's  death, 
I  blacked  my  face,  fasted  and  prayed  five  years 
To  the  Great  Spirit — drinking  once  a  day 
Water,  and  eating  sparingly  parched  corn, 
At  sunset ;  long  in  hunting  passed  the  time, 
And  fishing — never  going  forth  to  war. 


XIV. 

Once  more  the  fierce  Osage  renewed  the  war 

Upon  our  people  ;  and  I,  as  before, 

Was  called  upon  to  lead  them  'gainst  the  foe  ; 

To  raise  a  force  sufficient  to  destroy 

Their  tribe,  for  injuries  to  our  nation  done. 

This,  the  Great  Spirit  strengthened  me  to  do. 

Six  hundred  Sacs  and  Foxes,  and  lowas, 

Composed  my  train  ;  with  these  I  met  the  foe  ; 

Falling  on  forty  lodges,  killed  them  all. 

Nine  scalps,  the  trophies  of  my  hand,  declared 

Th'  efficient  part  I  in  the  battle  shared. 

The  rest  did  cease  aggressions  for  a  time. 

Soon  after  this,  when  I  was  in  my  prime, 

I  carried  on  a  long  protracted  war 

Against  the  Chippeways,  Osages,  and  Kaskaskias  ; 

Which  did  not  terminate  for  several  years, 

And  not  until  I  reached  my  thirty-fifth. 

In  this  campaign,  seven  hundred  warriors  fell. 

I  killed,  with  this  right  arm,  their  bravest  men, 

And  chiefs  of  might ;  their  numbers  were  thirteen. 

Our  enemies  driven  from  our  hunting-ground, 

Compelled  to  sue  for  peace,  and  keep  their  bounds, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  177 

We  home  returned — interred  and  mourned  our  dead, 

And  in  our  peaceful  villages  remained ; 

Respecting  others'  rights,  felt  no  desire 

T"  encroach,  or  carry  on  offensive  war. 

When  war  against  Great  Britain  was  declared, 

Resolved  my  British  father  would  assist, 

Because  he  gave  us  presents,  and  fulfilled 

His  promises;  and  told  us  he  would  help 

To  drive  the  whites,  who  had  encroached  on  us, 

Back  to  their  own  possessions.     In  this  war, 


XV. 

Five  hundred  Indians  I  commanded,  fought 

In  several  battles  with  success  ;  but  first, 

Ere  my  departure  to  the  war,  I  made 

A  visit  to  the  lodge  of  my  old  friend, 

The  comrade  of  my  youth — with  me  had  fought 

Bravely  in  many  battles  ;  now  infirm, 

Could  not  go  forth  to  hunting,  or  to  war ; 

C rippled  by  wounds.     He  had  a  duteous  son 

I  loved,  and  had  adopted  as  my  own, 

Did  hunt  with  me  the  two  preceding  winters. 

I  wished  my  friend  to  let  him  go  with  me. 

He  said,  he  could  not  gain  support  without  him  ; 

I,  who  had  been  his  guardian,  would  be  gone ; 

He  had  no  other  help  but  his  son. 

I  offered  in  his  place  my  son  to  leave  ; 

Refused,  and  said  he  did  not  like  the  war  ; 

He  had  been  down  the  river,  treated  well 

By  the  Americans,  and  could  not  fight 


178  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Against  them  ;  but  was  going  to  winter  near 
The  white  men,  by  their  fort,  the  river  down. 
Had  promised  to  assist  and  to  protect  him 
And  his  son,  and  privileged  them  to  hunt. 
We  parted — I  unto  the  seat  of  war, 
And  he,  confiding,  to  a  peaceful  shore. 


XVI. 

Unto  my  native  land,  when  I  returned, 

There  had  been  war  in  Illinois,  I  learned. 

Americans  had  burned  Peoria  gay, 

My  friends  as  prisoners  thence  had  ta'en  away. 

My  village  neared ;  then  I  beheld  along 

The  bluffs,  ascending  up,  a  smoke  among. 

I  bade  my  friends  unto  the  village  haste  ; 

I  turned  aside,  to  gather  there  what  passed  ; 

Devout,  my  aged  friend  engaged  in  prayer, 

As  oft  before,  presumed  should  find  him  there. 

Approached — a  fire  I  saw,  stretched  out  a  mat, 

An  old  man  under  it,  in  sorrow  sat. 

At  other  times,  I  should  have  turned  away. 

Knowing  he  there  had  come  alone  to  pray, 

And  humble  him  before  great  Manitou, 

That  he  might  pity  him,  and  hear  his  pious  vow. 

Approached — myself  I  seated  by  his  side, 
Anxious  inquired  what  ills  did  him  betide. 
He  saw  me,  as  he  cast  his  eyes  around, 
Again  in  silence  fixed  them  on  the  ground. 
'Twas  he,  my  aged  friend.     But  O  how  changed  ! 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  179 

Judge  my  surprise,  to  me  so  much  estranged  ! 
I  anxiously  inquired,  what  has  been  done 
Unto  our  people  ;  and  where  is  our  son  ? 
My  aged  comrade  seemed  but  half  alive. 
He  must  have  fasted  long  ;  him  to  revive, 
To  sprinkle  in  his  face  I  water  bring  ; 
Lighting  my  pipe,  and  to  him  offering, 
A  few  puffs  eagerly  he  drew.     His  eyes 
He  upward  cast,  and  me  did  recognize. 
When  I  inquired  again,  what  has  been  done 
Unto  our  people,  and  where  is  our  son  ? 


XVII. 

His  eyes  were  glassy.     He  again  had  fallen 

Into  forgetfulness,  had  I  not  given 

That  which  did  him  revive,  water  to  drink ; 

And  yet  again  inquired.     In  feeble  voice 

He  said  :  Soon  after  your  departure  hence, 

To  join  the  English,  I  the  river  down 

Descended,  with  a  little  company, 

To  winter  at  the  place  I  told  you  of, 

Where  white  men  had  requested  me  to  come. 

Arrived,  I  found  a  fort  there  built ;  the  man 

Inviting  me  to  come,  had  thence  removed. 

I  then  a  visit  to  the  fort  did  pay, 

Myself  and  band  were  friendly,  them  to  tell, 

Did  wish  to  hunt  in  peace,  and  near  them  dwell. 

The  war-chief  told  me,  who  commanded  there, 

We  unmolested  might  our  lodges  rear, 

And  hunt  on  Mississippi's  eastern  side. 


180  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Well  pleased  with  such  assurance,  crossed  the  tide ; 
There  camped  ;  game  plenty  was — we  happy  were, 
And  often  talked  of  you,  and  of  your  fare. 

XVIII. 

My  boy  regretted  much  your  absence  long, 

And  hardships  you  would  have  to  undergo. 

We  had  been  here  about  two  months  ;  my  boy 

Went  out  to  hunt  as  usual ;  night  came  on, 

And  he  did  not  return.     I  was  alarmed — 

His  safety  fearing,  passed  a  sleepless  night. 

In  early  morn,  our  lodges  were  informed, 

And  all  turned  out,  to  make  a  general  search. 

The  virgin  snow  lay  deep  upon  the  earth  ; 

Soon  found  his  trail,  and  found  that  he  pursued 

A  wounded  deer,  that  to  the  river  led. 

Unto  the  place  where  he  had  stood  and  fired, 

They  soon  did  come  ;  and  further  on,  a  deer, 

Which  hung  upon  a  branching  tree,  they  saw, 

Which  had  been  dressed.     But  here  were  white  mens* 

tracks  ;  i.:**  , , 

And  they  had  made  a  prisoner  of  my  boy. 
Their  tracks  across  the  river,  .and  then  down 
Unto  the  fort,  did  lead  ;  an  omen  bad. 
My  friends  pursued,  soon  found  my  boy  lying  dead  ; 
He.  had  been  murdered  there  most  cruelly. 
His  face  was  shot  in  pieces — body  stabbed 
In  several  places,  scalped  and  dragged  along. 
The  old  man  paused  awhile,  and  then  observed, 
His  wife  had  died  upon  their  journey  home. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  191 

I  took  the  hand  of  that  dear  friend  in  mine, 
And  pledged  myself  I  would  avenge  his  death. 
Darkness  o'ershadowed  us  ;  a  dreadful  storm 
Began  to  rage,  and  rain  in  torrents  fell. 
Lightning  and  thunder,  terribly  sublime, 
Combined  to  render  dismal  this  sad  scene. 
The  blanket  of  my  own  had  taken  off, 
And  wrapped  around  him,  from  the  cold  to  screen. 
Soon  as  the  storm  abated,  kindled  fire, 
And  raised  him  in  my  arms,  to  place  him  niglier ; 
But  he  was  dead  !     Yet  with  him  I  remained, 
Through  all  the  night,  till  morning  had  obtained. 
My  comrades  early  came,  assisted  me 
To  bury  him  upon  the  bluff's  high  peak. 
I  vowed  revenge,  and  two  white  men  I  slew. 
First  taking  few,  I  went  the  river  down, 
In  search  of  foes.     Along,  as  we  drew  near, 
I  heard  a  rustling  in  the  leaves,  and  saw 
Two  little  boys,  that  strove  to  hide  themselves. 
I  thought  of  my  own  children — passed  them  by 
Unharmed,  unfollowed.     Soon  came  riding  nigh, 
Two  white  men.     One  we  slew  ;  the  other  fled, 
We  met  more  horsemen  soon,  a  skirmish  had. 
I  at  their  leader  took  deliberate  aim  ; 
He  lifeless  fell ;  the  rest  did  force  us  back. 
Now  we  reload,  and  wait  for  their  approach. 
They  rush  on  us,  and  firing,  killed  one  man. 
We  it  returned — two  more  of  them  lay  dead. 
My  vow  fulfilled,  and  my  adopted  son 
Avenged,  escaping  thence,  we  all  went  home. 
10 


182  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 


XIX. 

Soon  came  the  news  the  whites  were  building  forts 

Along  our  river,  and  that  I  must  leave 

My  village,  native  place,  sacred  to  me. 

I  straight  resolved  I'd  never  give  it  up, 

But  fight  for  it  while  blood  ran  in  my  veins. 

I  went  to  see  the  white  chiefs,  told  them  so ; 

They  said  that  I  must  leave  it.     I  said  no, 

I  never  will !     From  our  great  father  chief, 

The  President,  I  next  implored  redress, 

To  my  entreaties  he  paid  no  regard. 

I  sought  our  British  father's  kindly  aid  ; 

He  could  not  break  the  peace  to  set  us  right. 

The  course  of  Keokuck,  why  need  I  name  ? 

Or  curse,  or  spare  the  man  we  so  much  blame  ? 

They've  seized  our  substance,  forced  us  far  away 

From  that  fair  land  where  our  possessions  lay. 

Our  wives  and  children  wandering  journey  led, 

And  forced  were  many  a  day  to  cry  for  bread. 

I  rose  against  the  authors  of  our  wo ; 

And  here  do  stand  the  champion  of  the  foe. 

He  paused  :  a  solemn  awe  pervades  the  throng, 

And  tears  come  rolling  down  their  cheeks  along. 

Thus  he  went  on  :— To  purchase  our  redress, 

My  life  a  sacrifice  I  would  devote, 

Most  willingly  for  such  a  consummation. 

It  would  be  well  expended  in  a  cause 

Worth  dying  for !       Shall  we,  then,  forward  rush 

Upon  our  foes,  and  fight  till  we  are  slain, 

And  sell  our  lives  as  dearly  as  we  can  ? 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  183 

Our  wisdom  does  not  dictate  this,  nor  yet 

Has  the  Great  Spirit  it  revealed  to  us, 

Made  known  by  sage>  by  prophet,  or  in  dreams. 

'T  would  be  a  useless  sacrifice,  and  vain ! 

As  well  might  throw  ourselves  upon  our  swords, 

Or  rush  into  the  alligator's  jaws  ! 

For  thick  as  the  autumnal  leaves  descend, 

With  all  their  yellow  and  their  purple  tints, 

From  forest-trees,  beneath  a  hoary  frost, 

Covering  the  ground  ;  so  thick  the  regiments,  and 

The  cohorts  of  our  pale-faced  foes  alight 

Upon  us  ;  filling  all  our  country  up, 

And  covering  it  with  legions  of  their  troops. 

Farther  attempts,  therefore,  to  keep  possession, 

Are  vain  and  hopeless  !     Yes,  my  warriors  brave, 

Appalling  as  the  thought  is,  we  must  quit 

Our  country,  and  resign  it  to  the  hands 

Of  the  pale-faces.     In  extremity 

So  great,  it  well  becomes  us  to  effect 

Timely  retreat,  and  so  to  manage  it, 

As  to  avoid  collision  with  the  foe, 

Who  now  outnumber  us  as  ten  to  one. 

We'll,  therefore,  shape  our  journey  to  the  north, 

Cross  the  Wisconsin  ;  thence,  our  rapid  march 

Urge  to  the  Upper  Mississippi,  high 

'Bove  Prairie  du  Chien ;  pass  over,  and  escape 

lnto  the  wastes  romantic  far  northwest, 

Jut  of  the  reach  of  foes  dishonorable, 

Whose  laws,  ideas,  and  thoughts  of  justice  are 

So  vile,  so  widely  different  from  our  own. 

There  unmolested  for  a  while  may  live, 


184  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Until  encroachments  farther,  of  the  whites, 
Force  us,  again,  to  quit  the  country  there, 
For  one  that  they  will  grant  us  more  remote  ; 
Some  region  or  unfriendly  clime,  austere, 
Unfit  for  mortal  residence  when  found, 
Where  neither  fish,  nor  fowl,  nor  deer  abound. 
Perhaps  be  driven  back  upon  the  lands 
Of  other  numerous  tribes,  and  warring  bands, 
By  whom,  combining,  we  shall  be  destroyed, 
For  those  intrusions  that  we  can't  avoid. 
Should  we  be  overtaken  by  our  foes, 
In  hot  pursuit,  at  crossing  of  these  waters, 
Of  which  there  is  great  danger,  we  must  fight, 
Compelled,  and  do  it  manfully  we  must. 
We  must  endeavor  to  beat  back  the  foe, 
As  numerous  as  their  legions  throng  around, 
Repulse,  and  drive  them  from  the  river  banks  ; 
That  our  good  wives,  our  children,  and  ourselves, 
May  be  insured  a  passage  safely  o'er 
Great  father  of  the  water.     On  that  shore, 
And  far  beyond  it,  we  may  freedom  find, 
And  some  respite  from  civilized  mankind. 


xx. 

Such  was  the  substance,  such  the  speech  of  Black  Haivk 

On  this  occasion ;  never  one  more  trying. 

Greatness  of  soul  it  shows,  entitling  him, 

A  hero  of  no  ordinary  stamp, 

To  the  respect  and  pity  of  the  good. 

That  nobleness  of  mind,  what  might  it  not 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  185 

3een  capable  of  doing  with  right  culture  ? 

3y  education  and  refinement  aided  ? 

Him  we  behold,  a  rude,  unlettered  savage, 

Engaged  in  one  great,  glorious  enterprise, 

Condition  of  his  tribe  ameliorating. 

By  a  resort  to  last  extremity, 

To  fighting  in  defence  of  his  loved  country, 

For  restoration  of  their  claims  to  lands 

Which  God  and  nature  to  them  had  bequeathed  , 

To  which  he  deemed  they  had  a  sovereign  right, 

By  every  principle  of  equity, 

And  justice,  known  among  the  Indian  tribes, 

And  which  unjustly  had  been  ta'en  away. 

Nature's  own  child,  and  own  primeval  offspring, 

For  liberty  and  equal  rights  contending, 

On  the  broad  base  of  true  republicanism. 


XXI. 


It  is  a  maxim  grown  into  a  proverb, 
That  he  who  shoots  his  arrow  at  the  sun 
In  his  meridian  height,  though  he  can't  reach  it, 
Yet,  e'en  much  higher  will  his  arrow  fly, 
Than  aimed  at  lower  object  near  the  earth. 
This  chief,  aspiring,  high  his  arrow  shot, 
That  sun  to  hit,  which  doth  illumine  heaven 
Political,  the  firmament  thereof^ 
With  brightness  filling  of  its  influence 
Redeeming ;  civil  and  religious  freedom. 
True,  hit  that  sun  he  did  not,  nor  did  he 
Succeed  in  his  endeavors  all-absorbing, 
16* 


186  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

In  their  own  land  to  reinstate  his  people, 
Effect  those  measures  needful  he  conceived, 
To  glorify  and  make  them  happy  there — 
Yet,  still,  quite  high  enough  his  arrow  flew, 
To  show  the  world  what  all  he  would  have  done, 
And  high  enough  to  render  his  fair  name 
Great  and  immortal  'mong  the  sons  of  men. 

XXII. 

Now  Black  Hawk  and  his  army  are  retreating  ; 
Henry  and  Dodge  pursue  with  drums  a  beating. 
The  former,  o'er  the  prairies,  as  they  pass* 
Through  intervening  groves,  amid  high  grass, 
Which  crowns  the  verdant  lawns,  o'er  hill  and  dale, 
Entwined  with  flowers,  make  plain  Iheir  narrow  trail. 
Down-trodden  grass  betrays  their  Indian  file  ; 
The  swift  pursuers  trace  it  many  a  mile. 

XXIII. 

From  early  immigrant's  constructed  cabin  new, 
No  curling  smokes  had  yet  ascended  up. 
Sound  of  his  axe,  the  baying  of  his  dogs, 
His  curfew  tinkling,  timbered  lands  among, 
Which  beautifully  fringe  the  prairie  grounds  ; 
The  lowing  of  his  kine  returning  home, 
To  yield  unto  his  dairy  beverage  rich, 
Had  never  yet  been  heard  in  this  wide  region, 
O'er  which  this  sad  retreat  was  now  conducting, 
In  nature's  rich  luxuriance,  wild  abounding. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  187 

The  freshness  of  these  scenes  enjoyed  not  yet ; 
Nor  the  sweet  charms  of  pastoral  life  'mong  groves, 
And  fields  where  cultivation  first  begins 
Her  pious  toils  ;  nor  had  the  husbandman, 
In  holy  place,  his  household  gods  set  up. 

XXIV. 

The  rolling  prairies  broad  before  them  stretch, 

Far  as  the  eye  can  reach  ;  and  to  the  sight 

Admiring,  they  appear,  on  their  green  surface, 

Like  undulations  vast  of  the  deep  sea  ; 

Whose  beauteous  flowers,  in  their  rich  multitude, 

Out-rival  all  the  Oriental  gardens 

Of  horticulturist.     In  their  varied  hues, 

Flowers  form  the  pavement  of  the  ground  beneath  ; 

While  the  magnificent  canopy  above, 

And  vault  ethereal  of  the  sky,  star-paved  ; 

Or,  during  day,  more  brilliantly  illumined 

By  dazzling  lustre  of  that  brightest  lamp 

Of  heaven,  the  sun.     Sweep  over  here  the  winds, 

To  kiss  the  flowery  lawn,  and  cause  the  waves 

Sea-green,  to  rise  among  the  waving  grass 

Of  lambent  ocean,  boundless,  verdant  all. 

No  lordly  lion  here,  or  tiger  fierce, 

To  frighten  or  destroy,  lurks  round  ;  but  here 

The  playful  fawn,  the  prairie-hen,  all  kinds  ; 

Various  sweet  singing  birds  and  doves  inhabit, 

And  prairie-wolf,  degenerate  kind,  not  fierce, 

Like  those  in  deep  recesses  of  the  wood  ; 

But  easily  ensnared,  and  overcome. 


188  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Oft  in  pursuit,  the  vales  meandering  through, 
To  pass  o'er  rushing  rivers  were  they  called, 
9       Whose  banks  were  covered  with  majestic  trees 
^       Of  sycamore,  and  forest's  noblest  sons  ; 

The  towering  oak,  the  elm,  and  sugar-maple, 
With  sacchariferous  qualities  imbued. 
Anon,  and  ever,  'mid  the  prairies  wide, 
Are  sprinkled  island  groves  and  skirts  of  wood, 
The  scene  to  vary.     Ancient  mounds  are  here, 
Whose  regular  forms,  immense  area,  and  size, 
Covered  with  trees  of  huge  millennial  growth, 
To  distant  period  more  remote,  point  back, 
When  built ;  to  some  more  ancient  race  of  men, 
Farther  than  Indians  in  the  arts  advanced, 
Of  civilized  life,  with  ample  means  to  work. 

XXV. 

This,  also,  is  the  mining  region,  where 

The  earth  prolific  teems  with  mineral  wealth  ; 

Rich  stores  of  lead  and  copper  pouring  forth, 

Have  found  their  way  throughout  our  wide  domain, 

Which  promise  to  the  State  a  fruitful  source 

Of  never-failing  opulence  and  wealth, 

Are  powerful  motives  set  before  the  mind, 

For  occupation  of  this  goodly  land  ; 

To  say  nought  of  the  beauty  of  the  country, 

Its  healthfulness,  salubrity  of  air, 

And  milder  climate,  so  delectable  ; 

Its  fruitful  soil,  and  wondrous  adaptation 

To  ease  of  husbandmen  in  agriculture  ; 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST.  189 

Nought  of  the  people's  hospitality, 

A  hardy  race  of  enterprising  ones, 

With  flush  of  health  from  every  countenance  beaming. 

In  almost  every  part  the  mining  region, 

Lead  may  be  sought  for  with  success,  and  found. 

Discoveries  new  are  making  day  by  day, 

Throwing  greater  light  upon  the  situation 

Of  ore  ;  enabling  miners  to  direct 

Their  efforts  with  a  certainty  of  gain. 

Beneath  cliff,  limestone,  which  contains  the  ore, 

A  very  thin  stratum  of  blue  limestone,  lies  ; 

Beneath  this  still,  a  body  of  brown  sandstone  ; 

In  which,  no  veins  of  ore  are  ever  traced  ; 

But  in  the  cliff,  limestone  above,  'tis  found 

In  veins,  and  seams,  and  fissures  of  the  rock. 

These  fissures  are  of  every  size  ;  from  leads 

Of  inch  diameter,  to  fifty  feet. 

Large  chambers  these ;  their  walls  are  lined  with  coat 

Of  lead  ore,  or  galena,  as  'tis  called, 

A  foot  in  thickness.     Hollow  cavities 

Between,  filled  up  with  clay ;  while  layers  run 

In  horizontal  lines  across,  of  ore. 

Sometimes  in  lumps  of  various  sizes,  found 

In  clay  of  fissures,  or  the  soil  above. 


XXVI. 

Sometimes  the  fissures  follow  horizontal 
The  strata ;  sometimes  vertical,  or  oft  inclined  ; 
But  ne'er  below  the  sandstone  they  descend  ; 
Those  yielding  greatest  quantities  of  ore, 


190  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

That  eastward  run  in  horizontal  lines. 

The  copper  ore's  position  is  the  same, 

Either  in  fissures  or  in  small  veins  lying. 

And  running  through  the  same  calcareous  rock. 

Large  fortunes  in  these  mines  have  been  acquired ; 

Much  money  has  been  sunk,  and  labor  lost, 

In  many  an  unsuccessful,  bold  attempt. 

Nought  ventured,  nothing  got,  a  proverb  is, 

Noted  in  every  miner's  glossary  ; 

Which,  in  prospecting,  tends  to  spur  him  on, 

In  which  enthusiastic  quite  he  is. 

At  mention  of  a  big  lead,  or  a,  lode, 

His  eye  dilates,  and  brightens  up  with  joy. 

This  hopes  to  find  ;  and  if  he  should,  he  knows 

He's  sure  to  make  his  fortune  by  the  means. 

He  drives  his  pick,  and  brightens  oft  his  spade, 

While  through  top-earth,  firm  strata,  crevices, 

And  blasted  rock,  he  makes  laborious  way  ; 

Spurning  the  dangers  of  the  deep-sunk  shaft, 

And  hollow  cave,  with  overhanging  earth. 

The  places  where  these  mines  are  worked,  are  called 

Diggings.     A  noted  singularity  their  names. 

A  man  there  dwelt,  who  kept  a  rhyming-mill, 

Informed  me  he  collected  them  one  day, 

And  in  the  hopper  throwing  them,  out  came 

The  following  list,  converted  into  verse  : 

XXVII. 

Hard  Scrabble,  Fair  Play,  Nip  and  Tuck,  and  Patch, 
With  Catholic  and  Whig,  and  Democrat  to  match ; 


SCENES    IN    TIIE    WEST.      .  191 

Blue  River,  Strawberry,  and  Hoof  Noggle  steep, 
And  Trespass,  and  Shake-Rag,  Clay-Hole  deep; 
Beetown,  Hard  Times,  and  old  Rattlesnake, 
Black-Leg,  Shingle-Ridge,  Babel  and  Stake  ; 
Satan's  Light-House,  Pin-Hook  and  Dry-Bone, 
And  Swindler's-Ridge,  with  hazles  o'ergrown  ; 
Buzzard's  Roost,  Injunction,  and  the  Two  Brothers, 
Snake-Hollow  Diggings,  Black-Jack,  Horse,  and  others  ; 
As  Small-Pox,  Buncombe,  and  Peddler's-Creek, 
And  Lower-Coon,  Stump-Grove,  and  Red-Dog  bleak  ; 
Menominee,  Rat-Tail  Ridge,  may  measure  out  this  sonnet, 
With  Bull-Branch,  Upper-Coon  :  pour  no  curses  on  it ! 

XXVIII. 

O  ye  inhabitants  of  this  fair  land  ! 

To  range  the  wild,  romantic  fields  delighting, 

Of  pleasure  in  this  nature's  wide  domain  ! 

When  this  a  wilderness  to  ascertain, 

Inhabited  by  beasts  of  prey,  and  men 

More  fierce  than  they,  you  need  not  go  to  search 

Annals,  traditions  of  a  by-gone  race  ; 

To  time  or  period  far  remote  go  back, 

The  glorious  epoch  to  determine  well, 

And  that  primeval  era,  when  first  dawned 

Civilization  on  this  pleasing  land — 

Culture  commenced,  and  forests  first  began 

To  fall  beneath  the  ruddy  axe-man's  arm, 

Cities  and  towns  to  rise  up  in  their  room  ; 

When  nurseries,  orchards,  cultivated  farms, 

And  architectural  domes  most  beautiful, 


192  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Within,  without,  with  art  well  ornamented, 

In  little  rising  hamlets  of  the  West, 

Taking  the  place  of  wigwam,  and  the  ground 

Identical,  where  stood  the  Indian's  corn  ; 

Still  seen  the  remnants  of  deserted  town. 

Nor  is  it  needful  that  ye  should  be  told 

Of  ancestors  here  settling  first  this  land, 

Making  it  fruitful,  populous  for  you, 

And  giving  birthright,  patrimony  all. 

No !  no  !  ye  bold  and  enterprising  men, 

Who  dared  to  fly  in  face  of  regal  power, 

And  almost  set  the  universe  on  fire, 

Defying  every  bar  to  liberty  ; 

Yourselves  have  been  the  actors  in  these  scenes.; 

The  architects  of  your  own  mighty  fabric, 

Reared  by  the  hands  of  human  industry. 

Your  children,  living  witnesses  of  all, 

Shall  tell  the  story  to  their  children's  children, 

And  boast  illustrious  ancestors,  who  made 

The  wilderness  and  solitary  place 

Alike  rejoice  and  blossom  as  the  rose. 

The  trees  surrounding  their  secluded  mansions, 

In  sign  of  worship  wave  each  graceful  head, 

All  ornamental,  forth  in  singing  break. 

Bidding  a  long  adieu  to  eastern  friends, 

They  left  their  peaceful  cottages  for  aye, 

The  abodes  of  civilized  men  for  western  lands, 

Awhile  to  endure  privations,  dangers,  toils. 

The  fertile  earth,  much  at  their  coming  moved, 

Gave  signs  of  gladness,  quickening  joyfully, 

And  multiplying  its  fruits  a  hundred-fold, 

For  their  subsistence  ;  welcome  in  the  land  ! 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  193 

XXIX. 

Ye  ruddy  cleavers  of  the  sylvan  soil, 

Who  hew  out  timbered  farms  with  so  much  toil ; 

This  land's  already  fit  to  plough  and  sow, 

Without  one  stroke  of  axe  or  grubbing  hoe  ; 

For  not  a  stump  impedes,  and  not  a  bough, 

Not  e'en  a  root  to  intercept  the  plough. 

Thrice  happy  he  !  the  future  shepherd  here, 

Surrounded  by  his  numerous  fleecy  care, 

Shall  lead  them  forth  beside  the  gentle  rills, 

And  send  them  bleating  to  their  sunny  hills. 

His  broad  expansive  plains  well  covered  o'er, 

With  satiate  herds  domestic,  bounteous  store  ! 

Fit  land  for  grazing ;  here  the  bison  fed, 

And  here  the  lordly  bull  once  shook  his  curly  head  ; 

The  buffalo  had  his  haunts  ;  huge  mammoth  raised 

His  head  enormous,  unmolested  grazed. 

Pomona  here  begins  her  happy  reign, 

And  smiling  Ceres  spreads  her  waving  grain. 

Celestial  orbs  that  animate  the  sky ! 

And  all  the  starry  hosts  that  roll  on  high  ! 

Here  you  fulfil  your  offices  divine  ! 

Witness,  the  western  heavens  as  brightly  shine 

On  him  who  rears  a  cottage  on  the  plain, 

As  him  whose  mansion  bounds  the  rolling  main  ! 

XXX. 

Let  those  who  will,  delight  in  scenes  of  blood, 
Sack  and  o'erturn  whole  cities,  as  with  flood  j 
17 


191  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Let  misers  thirst  for  gold,  and  anxious  weep, 
With  such  avidity  as  takes  their  sleep  ; 
Perplexed  with  all  the  cares  the  public  brings, 
The  wealth,  the  honor,  and  the  pride  of  kings, 
Voluptuous  pleasure,  joy's  excessive  pall :    .';  .; 
Man  is  not  happy,  pride  must  have  its  fall. 
While  cheerful,  I  prefer  a  country  life, 
Of  rural  joys  possessed,  and  far  from  strife, 
To  that  of  being  penned  up  in  some  place, 
Or  city,  where  one  knows  not  e'en  the  face 
Of  his  next  neighbor,  inmate  of  the  dome, 
Where  he,  himself,  resides,  and  calls  it  home. 
What  better,  then,  if  thou  surrounded  be, 
By  thousands  who  know  not,  care  not  for  thee  ? 
Can  the  bare  thoughts  of  these  thy  wants  supply, 
Pestilence  and  famine  help  thee  to  defy  ? 
Vain  hope  !  prefer  the  country  for  these  »nds  ; 
Where  all  do  know  each  other,  and  are  friends. 

XXXI. 

Wisconsin,  lovely  land  !  full  many  a  year, 
The  prime  of  my  best  days  have  I  spent  here  ; 
Have  traced  thy  history,  have  seen  thee  rise, 
Have  viewed  thy  every  change  with  hopeful  eyes ; 
Have  looked  upon  thee  with  a  look  of  love, 
And  for  thy  rising  glories  fondly  strove. 
Dear  unto  me  thy  illustrious  founders  arc, 
And  each  illustrious  first  proprietor. 

The  lonely,  wild,  and  pathless  forest  his, 
Who  braved  the  storms  of  lengthy  voyages ; 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  195 

From  lands  remote,  who  could  themselves  deny, 

Dear  as  the  brethren  of  one  family. 

In  bold  contempt  e'en  life  itself  was  held  ; 

They  bared  their  breasts  to  scenes  romantic,  wild — 

To  men  more  savage  than  the  beasts  of  God, 

In  lands  unknown  before,  where  white  men  never  trod, 

An  enterprising  race  sprang  in  the  East ; 
Their  souls,  unfettered,  sought  the  boundless  West. 
They  found  their  way  ;  the  forest  quickly  fell ; 
The  steeples  rose,  and  clanged  their  sounding  bell. 
Th'  appalling  war-whoop  now  is  heard  no  more, 
In  all  the  length  of  Mississippi's  shore. 
Far  west,  along  Missouri's  distant  flood, 
In  bounds  allotted,  roves  the  man  of  blood. 

And  thou,  Milwaukee  city !  young  and  fair, 
And  full  of  life,  and  glee,  and  healthful  air ! 
Dear  unto  me  thy  illustrious  founders'  names ; 
And  each  bold  pioneer  upon  my  heart  has  claims. 
Sprung  like  a  mushroom,  growing  in  one  day  ; 
But  not  like  mushrooms  born  to  swift  decay. 
I  thee  rejoicing  saw  in  infant  prime, 
And  thy  relapse  lamented  for  a  time. 

But  now  I  thee  behold  in  the  full  tide 

Of  rich  prosperity,  and  spreading  wide, 

In  vigorous  youth,  thy  neat  and  simple  domes, 

Thy  ornamental  mansions,  frugal  homes. 

What  towers  and  structures  thee  to  raise  is  given ! 

What  temples  sacred  to  the  God  of  heaven ! 


196  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

The  hum  of  city  life,  the  rattling  road, 

And  busy  bustle  stalking  all  abroad  ; 

Thus,  ancient  things  receding  from  our  view, 

All-changing  time  still  brings  us  something  new. 

Some  days  ago  here  none  but  red  men  trod, 

Employed  in  mirth,  or  strife,  and  paid  no  vows  to  God 

Praise  to  the  generous  swains  that  guide  the  ploughs;, 
And  tear  the  roots  that  bear  such  lofty  boughs. 
Here  they  may  live,  heirs  to  a  fruitful  soil, 
And  reap  the  due  reward  of  every  toil. 
They  sow  the  fields,  and  plant  the  useful  maize  ; 
In  the  wide  wood  the  laboring  oxen  graze. 
Wide  spread  the  fields,  the  yellow  harvests  glow, 
And  underneath  their  bridges  rivers  flow. 

Large  vessels  richly  laden  skim  the  lake, 

Spread  their  white  sails,  and  frequent  voyages  make , 

With  loads  of  immigrants  the  chain  throughout, 

Ontario  Lake,  Chicago  ends  the  route. 

All  labors  here  are  new  beneath  the  sun, 

As  though  a  new  creation  had  begun. 

The  highway  opens,  mountains  sinking  down, 

Canals  and  turnpikes  lead  into  the  town. 

The  new-raised  beacons  cast  a  glaring  light ; 
In  numbers  gild  the  stormy  face  of  night ; 
The  seaman  warn  to  keep  the  watery  wide, 
And  to  a  friendly  harbor  prove  his  guide. 
Mills,  factories  rise,  wherever  streamlets  flow ; 
On  harbors  good,  by  magic  cities  grow. 
A  new  republic  of  their  own  they  raise, 
A  sister  State  th'  united  head  to  praise. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  1 

Ye  sons  of  labor!  leave  that  stony  shore  ! 

A  landless  poverty  bemoan  no  more  ! 

A  certain  tract  secure,  make  good  your  claim  ; 

Here  rise  to  wealth,  to  honor,  and  to  fame  ! 

Come  to  Wisconsin's  fair  and  lovely  land, 

Where  nature  spreads  abroad,  with  liberal  hand, 

Her  richest  prairies,  one  sweet  plain  of  flowers, 

With  intervening  groves,  and  beauteous,  happy  bowers. 

XXXII. 

The  pursuing  army's  course  was  intercepted, 
Agreeably,  by  coming  oft  in  contact 
With  numerous  inland  lakes  that  here  abound, 
Transparent,  and  whose  waters  soft  and  tranquil, 
Abounding  in  the  trout  and  finny  tribes, 
By  any  other  lakes  are  not  surpassed. 
For  nature,  being  in  a  playful  mood, 
When  made  these  scenes,  did  not  forget  to  place 
A  chain  of  isolated  lakes  upon  their  route, 
To  beautify,  adorn,  and  crown  the  whole 
With  every  rural  charm  and  mead  enchanting ; 
The  rich  savannas,  and  the  sylvan  scene, 
As  though  by  decorations  she  intended 
To  charm  the  hearts  of  this  pursuing  army, 
Compel  them  sweetly  to  imbibe  her  love. 
In  their  advance,  now  had  they  wound  their  way   , 
Ahmg  the  waters  of  hydraulic  Rock,  Tr"Wx~£_ 

The  gentle  south-flowing  stream  ascending  up,  I 
Till  they  unto  Lake  Kosh-ko-nong  arrived  ; 
Which  but  the  widening  of  this  river  is, 
17* 


198  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Into  a  most  romantic  inland  sea. 

It  seems,  when  nature  gave  the  river  birth, 

The  spring,  from  bottom  of  a  lake  rose  out 

Far  north.     The  hollow  cavity  soon  filling, 

And  overflowing  its  bounds,  did  burst  away, 

As  if  to  seek  the  south,  a  milder  clime, 

Till  in  its  course  a  wider  basin  found, 

Encompassed  on  all  sides  by  hilly  ground ; 

Stupendous  amphitheatre,  whose  shore 

Circumference  round  about  seven  leagues  or  more, 

Which  nature  had,  by  some  volition,  made, 

And  hollowed  out,  designing  here  a  lake. 

Supply  perpetual  filled  the  spacious  basin, 

Forming  an  inland  sea  most  beautiful, 

In  miniature,  the  world  had  e'er  beheld. 

Then,  on  its  southern  border  breaking  out, 

To  water  that  contiguous  region  round, 

Its  course  pursues,  the  vale  meandering  through  ; 

Thence  seeks,  by  southern  course,  the  Mexic'  gulf, 

Through  waters  of  the  noble  Mississippi. 

The  pleasant  lake,  romantic  Kosh-ko-nong, 

A  name  interpreted  from  Indian  tongue, 

To  signify  the  lake  on  which  we  live  ; 

Because  wild  rice  abounds,  which  Indians  eat. 

With  numerous  flocks  of  wild  fowl  is  it  thronged  ; 

Even  the  pelican  large,  and  basin-billed, 

A  visit  to  its  banks  doth  not  disdain. 

In  summer's  heat  resorted  to  for  bathing ; 

Winter,  a  joyful  place  of  recreation 

For  all  sleigh-riding,  and  skate-loving  youth  ; 

Also  by  others,  who  delight  t'  ensnare 

The  luscious  fish,  to  furnish  their  repast. 


SCENES   IN    THE    WEST.  199 

XXXIII. 

The  crystal  bay,  to  all  before  unknown, 

Like  one  clear  sea  of  glass  before  them  shone. 

The  sun  displays  his  eve-beam,  as  of  old, 

And  gilds  its  banks  and  trees  with  burnished  gold, 

When  o'er  the  western  mountains  far  away, 

He  flings  upon  the  snowy  clouds  his  ray, 

A  glow  of  radiance  there  no  painter  can, 

Inimitable  by  the  works  of  man. 

There  was  no  note  of  sorrow  in  the  scene, 

The  earth,  the  air,  the  river,  all  serene. 

The  bugle  note  sent  up  its  loud  alarms ; 

The  sounding  trumpet  bade  them  cease  from  arms, 

While  it  resounded  through  the  plains  afar, 

And  told  to  peaceful  hill  and  dale  of  war. 

The  fife  and  hollow  drum  had  ceased  their  sound ; 

Then  arms,  and  steeds,  and  baggage,  strewed  the  ground. 

Joy  laughed  around  ;  with  saffron  ether  glows  ; 

O'er  earth,  black  night  her  sable  mantle  throws ; 

While  heaven's  blue  vault  ethereal  burns  above, 

With  twinkling  myriads  of  the  fires  of  Jove'. " 

The  weary  soldiers  gladsome  lay  them  down. 

Along  the  pleasant  lake,  a  camping-town  ; 

The  sentinels  keep  their  watch  the  live-long  night ; 

Their  steeds  the  herbage  crop  till  morning  light. 

XXXIV. 

Seven  miles  above,  upon  this  river's  bank, 
Atkinson  ordered  that  a  fort  should  rise  ; 


200  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 

Against  the  northern  tribes  a  sure  defence  ; 

Built  on  high  ground,  and  to  his  honor  called 

Fort  Atkinson.     Moreo'er,  resolved  to  take 

Needful  precaution,  ordered  Colonel  Moore 

The  erection  of  two  more  to  superintend  ; 

One  on  Des  Plains,  the  other  on  Du  Page, 

Each  lying  south  ;  and  stationed  soldiers  there  ; 

Thus  did  discharge  the  duties  of  a  general, 

Proceeding  circumspectly  near  the  foe  ; 

Careful  to  leave  no  enemy  in  his  rear, 

Nor  possible  chance  for  one  there  to  aris^. 

Having  despatched  two  generals,  Dodge  and  Henry, 

Great  numbers  of  the  army,  choice  dragoons, 

Mounted  on  fleetest  steeds,  in  hot  pursuit 

Of  foes  retreating  ;  waiting  not  to  see 

The  fort's  completion,  but  there  leaving  troops 

To  finish  and  defend  it,  with  all  speed. 

With  the  main  army,  regular  troops  composing, 

Took  up  his  line  of  march,  and  hastened  on 

To  the  scene  of  conflict  on  the  battle-field. 

Meanwhile,  Dodge,  Henry,  rapid  marches  made, 

Black  Hawk  in  order  to  o'ertake,  before 

Could  weary  cross  Wisconsin.     On  the  eve 

Of  July  twenty-first,  with  him  came  up, 

Upon  its  southern  bank,  the  Blue  Mounds  near  , 

A  journey  made  that  day  of  forty  miles. 

The  Indians'  usual  method  of  attack, 

Is,  to  approach  their  foes  in  single  column, 

Or  Indian  file,  so  called,  direct  behind 

Some  shady  tree,  that  intervening  stands  ; 

So  keeping  range,  that  each  man  in  the  file. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  201 

Is  from  the  enemy's  ken  completely  hid. 
When  they  have  cautious  thus,  and  without  noise, 
The  tree  reached,  by  the  column's  head,  the  rear 
Moves  round  to  front,  like  door  upon  its  hinge, 
Or  compass'  mov'ble  leg  ;  while  he,  the  van, 
Remains  the  stationary  pivot  of  the  rest. 
At  other  times,  on  having  thus  approached, 
A  regular  front  they  form,  by  whirling  off 
On  each  side,  cringing  low  behind  the  trees. 

XXXV. 

'Tis  at  this  juncture  that  they  raise  a  cry, 
Th'  appalling  war-whoop's  loud,  terrific  sound, 
At  first  to  frighten  and  astound  the  foe. 
This  was  their  manner  here.     In  several  files, 
Such  as  above  described,  behind  large  trees, 
At  proper  distances  apart,  which  stood, 
Approached;  then  filing  off  to  right  and  left, 
Skulking  behind  contiguous  trees  around, 
In  prompt  obedience  to  their  chiefs  command, 
Themselves  prepared  to  ope'  a  galling  fire 
Upon  the  more  advanced  of  their  pursuers. 
But  all  their  preparations,  shrewdness,  tact, 
And  signal  bravery  of  their  captain-general, 
Effectually  to  resist  the  bold  attacks 
Of  these  two  generals,  with  their  mounted  men, 
Were  vain ;  in  every  quarter  were  defeated. 
Brave  Black  Hawk,  mounted  on  a  noble  steed, 
Armed  with  a  rifle,  battle-axe,  and  sword 
Drawn  in  his  hand,  his  cavalry  did  rally, 


202  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 

And  at  their  head  did  make  a  desperate  charge 

On  them,  which  was  successfully  resisted. 

The  mounted  men,  their  valiant  generals,  too, 

In  service  of  their  country,  zeal  displayed, 

Encomiums,  and  the  highest  praise  deserving. 

Black  Hawk  himself,  and  all  his  warriors  brave, 

Defeated  were,  and  routed  ;  three-score  souls 

Lie  cold  in  death,  of  Black  Hawk's  valiant  band. 

Nought  but  the  troops,  fatigued  by  such  a  march, 

And  battle,  and  the  falling  of  dark  night, 

Preserved  the  foe  from  total  loss  of  all. 

They  crossed  Wisconsin,  to  an  isle  where  lay 

Their  families.     Instant,  Dodge  could  not  them  follow, 

For  want  of  boats  and  necessary  rafts. 

The  Indians  sorely  chafed  were  in  their  minds  ; 

Their  bodies  lean,  emaciate  had  become, 

For  lack  of  food.     They  seldom  have  on  hand 

Provisions  much,  and  what  they  had,  was  gone  ; 

And,  for  subsistence  farther,  they  had  not ; 

Dependent  on  the  hunt,  and  killing  game. 

This  is,  at  best,  a  slim  and  poor  dependence, 

An  army  to  supply ;  especially  now, 

When  they  were  so  much  straightened  and  confined, 

Pursued  and  circumscribed  in  all  their  movements. 

The  safety  of  their  persons,  too,  required 

They  should  not  venture  out  from  their  main  camp, 

So  far  as  would  admit  of  hunting  food. 

Hence,  their  reliance  to  sustain  their  lives, 

Was  mainly  on  the  roots  and  bark  of  trees, 

And  flesh  of  steeds,  obliged  to  slay  and  eat. 

Black  Hawk,  beholding  th'  evil  'bout  to  come 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  203 

On  him,  and  his  devoted  army,  broken 

Already,  and  dismayed,  resolved,  at  once, 

To  leave  the  isle,  and  cross  Wisconsin  stream, 

Without  delay  ma"ke  his  retreat,  howe'er 

Disastrous,  o'er  the  Mississippi.     Part 

His  troops  went  down  Wisconsin — fell  a  prey 

To  watchful  soldiers  stationed  on  the  banks. 


xxxvi. 

Meanwhile,  with  regular  army,  Atkinson, 
Precipitous,  by  a  journey  of  three  days, 
From  Kosh-ko-nong  arrived ;  determined  straight 
On  quick-constructed  rafts  to  cross  the  stream, 
And  by  forced  marches  overtake  the  foe ; 
Although,  in  sultry  season,  now  the  troops, 
Worn  down,  were  much  exhausted  with  fatigue. 
Four  days,  and  all  things  ready  made,  the  troops, 
And  army  under  Atkinson's  command, 
Crossed  at  Helena — took  their  line  of  march 
Northwest ;  believing,  that  this  course  pursued, 
Would  lead  in  contact  with  the  Indian's  trail. 
Nor  were  they  disappointed  with  vain  hopes  ; 
For  Atkinson,  perceiving  by  their  trail, 
Them  several  days  ahead,  which  would  require 
The  utmost  expedition  to  overtake, 
Before  they  could  the  Mississippi  cross, 
That  he  might  give  them  on  its  eastern  side 
A  battle,  which  he  coveted  of  them, 
Determined  leaving  all  his  baggage- wagons, 
And  everything  his  progress  would  retard. 


204  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

This  done,  by  speed  accelerate  he  advanced, 
Following  the  narrow,  beaten  track  they  made, 
And  on  their  rear-guard  gaining  rapidly. 


XXXVII. 

Between  Wisconsin  Bluffs  and  Kickapoo, 

Through  which  the  troops  by  this  retreat,  were  led, 

A  hilly  country  lies,  of  mountain  range. 

Behold  !  no  sooner  did  they  reach  the  top 

Of  one  high,  almost  perpendicular  hill, 

Than  they  descended  down  the  opp'site  side, 

By  a  declivity  as  steep  and  rare, 

Unto  another's  base  ;  while  narrow  vales 

Between,  were  filled  with  shallow,  muddy  water — 

Sometimes,  but  deep  ravines,  with  muddy  banks. 

In  these,  and  on  the  summits  of  the  hills, 

Tall  grew  the  forest-trees  of  heaviest  size, 

With  undergrowth  of  thorn  and  prickly  ash, 

Which  oft  in  spots  so  thickly  filled  the  ground, 

'Twas  difficult  for  men  to  clamber  up. 

This  hurried  and  fatiguing  march  o'er  such 

A  rugged  country,  so  replete  with  toil, 

Without  a  murmur  was  by  them  endured  ; 

For  it  could  not  be  said  their  souls  became 

Discouraged  by  the  way,  or  wished  return  ; 

But,  as  they  neared  the  foe,  increased  desire, 

And  ardor,  prompted  greater  efforts  still. 

Being  for  journey  long  in  better  plight, 

And  spirits,  too,  with  more  hilarity, 

More  bounteously  fed  and  clothed  withal, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  205 


Than  their  dejected,  half-starved  Indian  foes, 
Continued  constantly  the  gaining  ground, 
Out-travelling  them  by  several  miles  each  day, 
As  plainly  by  encampments  did  appear. 


XXXVIII. 

Now,  from  these  cliffs  and  caverns  dark  emerging, 
The  prairie  spreads  its  rolling  billows  surging ; 
The  sea-green,  grassy  billows  waving  high, 
Moved  by  the  gentle  zephyrs  of  the  sky, 
The  warrior  and  his  courser  tread  again, 
And  snuff  the  fragrance  of  the  flowery  plain  ; 
Enjoy  the  freshness  of  the  cooling  breeze. 
His  steed,  the  verdure  waving  round  his  knees, 
Essays  to  crop  ;  oft  catching  as  they  pass 
The  tempting  bait,  a  flower,  or  lock  of  grass. 


XXXIX. 

While  Atkinson  and  army,  steadily, 
With  zeal  and  courage  fixed,  the  foe  pursue, 
We'll  take  the  freedom  to  digress  a  little, 
To  give  the  reader  more  account  succinct, 
Of  scenery  and  resources  of  the  country, 
O'er  which  this  late  retreat  was  so  conducted ; 
And  of  its  present  state — by  whom  'tis  peopled, 
And  of  the  wondrous  change  has  here  been  wrought, 
Since  whites  possessed  and  claimed  it  for  their  home. 
Premising  what  we  say  applies  full  well 
To  Northern  Illinois,  Wisconsin,  too, 
18 


206  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

The  land  of  Gentle  Dove,  and  'Si-ar-nah. 

May  not  amiss  be,  also,  here  to  state, 

Iowa  doth  resemble  this  good  land. 

Wisconsin,  from  its  river  chief  so  called, 

Was  under  territorial  law  ordained 

In  eigh teen-thirty- six,  and  organized  ; 

And  Dodge  thereof  first  governor  was  appointed 

Pursuant  to  this  order,  Congress  gave 

A  Legislative  council,  and  the  House. 

Enacted  was  a  code  of  laws,  and  published  ; 

Courts  civil  instituted,  judges  made, 

And  ofF'cers  of  the  peace  appointed  then. 

Justice  administered  to  every  class, 

And  good  observance  of  the  laws  maintained. 

Great  was  the  rancor  of  contending  parties  ; 

Of  litigation  following  seemed  no  end, 

Long  since  subsided  ;  harmony  now  prevails. 

Among  the  first  and  most  remarkable 

Of  causes  brought  before  this  new  tribunal, 

The  trial  of  an  Indian  criminal  was  ; 

Tried  for  the  murder  of  a  pale-faced  man, 

Surveyor  on  Rock  river,  Burnett  called. 

He,  with  a  Captain  Clyman,  was  exploring 

The  country  there — came  to  the  Indian's  camp, 

To  tarry  for  the  night,  as  oft  had  done  ; 

When  he  was  struck  by  him,  whose  trial  waits. 

Clyman's  right  arm  was  wounded  by  a  shot ; 

But  fortunate,  effected  his  escape, 

And,  by  a  journey  long,  through  wood  and  wild, 

Arrived  in  safety  at  Milwaukee  town 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST.  207 

XL. 

His  crime  to  justify,  the  Indian  plead, 

His  father  by  a  white  man  had  been  slain ; 

That  it  became  a  binding  duty  on  him, 

Imperious,  solemn,  not  to  be  dispensed  with — 

Due  to  his  tribe,  according  to  their  laws, 

And  to  his  sire  deceased,  to  avenge  his  death, 

By  shedding  of  the  blood  of  some  white  man, 

Which  could  not  be  atoned  for  othenvise. 

His  duty  he  had  done,  was  satisfied. 

His  plea  weighed  light,  and  sentence  passed  of  death  ; 

But  afterwards,  was  granted  his  reprieve ; 

For  what  good  cause,  the  following  lines  will  show : 

For  lo  !  soon  after  this,  another  crime, 

Committed  ere  this  trial  came  to  close, 

Of  deeper  dye,  which  in  the  shade  this  cast, 

And  threw  a  gloom  of  melancholy  o'er 

The  infant  village.     Milwaukee  became 

Too  soon  the  scene  of  tragical  events; 

Its  peaceful  streets  polluted  by  the  blood 

And  lifeless  body  of  a  murdered  Indian. 

Murdered  by  Indians  ?  no  !  by  two  white  men. 

Say  not  they're  men,  nor  so  disgrace  the  name  ; 

Call  not  such  monsters  of  the  human  form, 

Countenance  them  not,  nor  own  them  as  our  fellows. 

A  crime  committed  under  circumstances 

More  aggravated,  heinous  than  the  former ; 

Far  less  excusable  to  palliate. 

These  felons,  inmates  of  the  village  jail, 

Ne'er  had  a  trial  there,  but  were  let  W-* 


208  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

They  either  broke  thence  of  themselves,  or  fburJ 

Secret  assistance  in  their  prompt  escape, 

And  set  at  liberty  by  hands  unKnown  ; 

To  be  the  fact,  the  latter  is  supposed. 

One  since  has  met  the  punishment  his  due. 

Hung  for  a  second  murder,  of  his  frierx!- 

So  rumor  says  ;  not  heard  frorr,  yet  llie  other. 


XLI. 

The  trial  of  the  Indian  followed  soon  ; 

Allowed,  by  all,  it  was  a  trial  fraught 

With  consequences  great ;  not  only  to  the  Indians, 

But  to  the  infant  State  just  rising  up. 

Rumor  had  said,  the  Indians  were  in  council 

Gathered  at  Ottawa,  five  hundred  strong, 

Threatening  attack  on  neighboring  villages  ; 

Milwaukee  and  Chicago  to  be  razed, 

When  prairie-grass  for  Indian  ponies  grew. 

Now,  many  people  entertained  their  fears, 

The  Indians,  stirred  to  anger  by  this  outrage, 

Would  fly  to  arms,  exterminate  the  whites, 

Milwaukee  and  the  country  round  it  lay. 

Junneau,  proprietor,  and  first  inhabitant, 

Whose  knowledge  of  the  Indians  greater  was 

Than  other  men's,  consulted  was,  if  he 

Did  think  it  needful  that  a  fort  should  rise, 

Milwaukee  'midst,  the  tribes  to  overawe. 

His  answer  was,  he  did  not  think  it  needful. 

No  troops  were  sent.     Some  blamed  him  much  for  this ; 

The  soundness  of  his  judgment  time  has  proved. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  209 

^s  white  men  guilty  of  a  crime  more  flagrant, 
tlad  been  released  unpunished,  it  did  seem 
Vo  more  than  right,  by  equitable  judgment, 
He  should  escape  the  rigor  of  the  law  ; 
An  offset  just,  against  their  liberation. 
Indeed,  there  seemed  to  be  no  other  course 
The  judges  could  pursue,  by  which  t'  evade 
The  charge  of  base  injustice  to  the  Indians, 
Reckless  connivance  at  their  people's  crimes. 
Sentence  of  death,  therefore,  to  execute, 
Far  would  it  be  from  giving  satisfaction 
To  any  party ;  much  less  to  the  Indians  ; 
Who,  though  they'd  sold  their  lands,  were  in  the  country. 
Still  in  possession  of  the  soil ;  yet  more, 
According  to  the  articles  of  treaty, 
Two  years  to  come  were  privileged  to  remain  ; 
And  if  this  case  could  not  be  so  disposed  of, 
With  their  ideas  of  justice  to  accord, 
Inimical  to  the  whites  they  might  become, 
And  cause  much  serious  trouble  and  alarm. 
Indeed,  the  sentiment  seemed  universal 
Throughout  the  territory,  that,  as  white  men 
Had  been  let  go,  or  suffered  to  escape 
Due  punishment,  for  similar  offence, 
An  equitable  judgment  did  require 
The  prisoner's  prompt  release  ;  and  that  this  course 
A  needful  policy  had  now  become, 
In  order  to  conciliate  the  tribes, 
Their  favor  and  their  confidence  maintain. 
18* 


210  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

XLII. 

Judge  F ,  alone,  seemed  anxious  that  the  law 

In  all  its  penalties  severe  should  fall 

On  one  devoted  head.     Much  zeal  displayed 

In  cause  so  sanguine  ;  he  the  prisoner  doomed 

To  death.     But,  by  the  noble  clemency 

Of  Dodge,  was  pardoned,  to  the  satisfaction, 

As  we  believe,  of  every  human  else  ; 

And,  if  we  be  permitted  thus  to  speak, 

And  venture  an  opinion  of  our  own, 

Our  excellent  governor  would,  in  point  of  tact, 

Civil  and  military,  well  compare  with 

Great  Alfred !  who  the  way  has  led, 

On  princes  highest  honors  shed. 

Great  legislator !  wisest,  best, 

Of  old  a  pattern  for  the  rest ! 

In  law  a  great  reform  thcu  mad'st ; 

Inhuman  customs  all  forbad'st ! 

First  in  that  early  barbarous  age, 

When  babbling  ignorance  passed  for  sage. 

Established  codes  of  common  law, 

Observed  till  now  with  fear  and  awe. 

The  same  undaunted  spirit  lead 

Our  counsellors  in  the  cause  they  plead  ; 

That  suffering  virtue  be  redressed, 

This  land  with  heavenly  influence  blessed. 

XLIII. 

To  this  judicious  and  prudential  measure, 
The  prisoner's  counsel  did  contribute,  Arnold. 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST.  211 

He,  as  a  means  preliminary,  drew 

A  just  petition,  and  the  names  obtained, 

And  signatures  of  citizens  great  numbers  ; 

Which  said  petition  to  the  governor  sent. 

Business  more  lively,  money  plenty,  more, 

Or  better  times,  than  in  Wisconsin  now, 

Known  never  was.     Ne'er  did  the  mania  rage 

Of  speculation  to  extreme  so  great. 

In  one  fair  summer's  epoch,  rose  the  town, 

Milwaukee  young,  four  hundred  edifices, 

New-built,  and  painted  ;  immigration's  dawn. 

The  business  speculations  of  the  day, 

Consisted  principally  in  future  towns, 

And  would-be  cities,  handsomely  portrayed 

On  paper.     These  locating,  selling  lots, 

Parcels  thereof,  to  whomsoe'er  would  buy, 

Already  occupied  in  fancy's  brain, 

More  worth  than  they  will  ever  be  again  ;     ^ 

Who  each  improvement  in  the  future  saw, 

In  purchasing  and  vending  of  their  claims, 

Improvements  on  the  lands  of  government. 

The  country,  with  bank-notes  and  wild-cat  money, 

Was  inundated.     Then  the  public  lands 

Were  into  market  ushered.     Then,  O  death  ! 

Death  to  the  hopes  of  many  a  speculator, 

And  greedy  occupant  of  public  lands  ! 

Jackson  his  specie  circular  had  sent  forth, 

Charging  receivers  of  the  public  moneys 

To  take  but  gold  and  silver  for  the  land — 

Bank  paper  was  but  rags,  a  thing  of  nought. 

Then  followed,  'mong  the  business-doing  men, 


212  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Merchants,  and  capitalists,  such  great  depression, 
Distress  financial,  as  had  not  been  known 
In  this,  or  one  preceding  generation. 
Then  came  the  sale  of  lands,  and  fortunate, 
Extremely,  those  who  had  the  means  to  buy. 
These  were  to  buy  the  claimants'  lands  permitted, 
At  price  but  minimum,  by  Congress  fixed  ; 
Which  they,  according  to  arrangements  made, 
Previous  transferred  immediate  to  the  claimant 
For  double  sum,  with  interest  until  paid, 
Secured  by  mortgage  on  the  lands  thus  sold ; 
Doubling  their  money  thus  upon  the  spot. 
For  speculation  greater,  ne'er  was  chance, 
Embraced  by  all  whom  money  thus  enabled  ; 
Gladly  accepted  on  the  claimants'  part. 
During  first  sale,  which  several  weeks  did  last, 
Six  hundred  thousand  dollars  were  received 
At  one  Jand-office  in  Milwaukee  city. 
The  raging  of  the  mania,  farther  hear, 
As  in  the  following  stanzas  doth  appear  : 


XLIV. 

The  Wisconsin  fever !  for  on,  I  did  never 
Witness  such  doings  before  ! 
The  people  run  mad,  or  what  was  as  bad. 
And  flocked  to  the  Michigan  ihore- 

And  this  was  their  ditty,  O  Milwaukee  .--Sty, 
A  second  great  London  must  be  ! 
In  the  United  States  there  is  nothing  that  rates 
With  Milwaukee  city,  you'll  see. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  213 

Speculation  high  ran,  the  ci'.y  began, 

The  lots  for  ten  thousands  were  sold ; 

Great  London  was  founded,  nine  miles  surrounded, 

Each  foot  of  marsh  wcvth  as  much  gold. 

And  then  every  day  you  would  hear  them  say, 
Our  property  doubles  to-morrow  ; 
And  if  you  don't  buy,  you'll  exclaim,  with  a  sigh, 
I  missed  it  for  all,  to  my  sorrow. 

But  lots  soon  came  down  in  this  noble  town, 
From  thousands  to  fifties,  alas  ! 
And  many  great  folks  bought  oxen  and  yokes, 
And  retired  to  their  furrows  of  grass. 

The  farmers  in  bands,  on  government  lands, 
Made  claims,  and  for  thousands  they  sold  ; 
The  first  in  possession,  as  seemed  the  impression, 
Had  property  better  than  gold. 

But  the  times  are  now  changed,  and  all  is  deranged ; 
They'd  happy  yet  happy  remain, 
If  the  title  to  lands,  now  placed  in  their  hands, 
Were  worth  but  as  much  as  a  claim. 

The  high-souled,  the  honest,  and  those  who  had  credit, 
With  funds  that  were  borrowed,  built  large  ; 
Soon  pay-day  came  round,  and  then  it  was  found 
They  could  not  answer  the  charge. 

A  war  with  the  banks  spread  throughout  all  ranks, 
And  blew  a  most  terrible  blast ; 


214  BLACK    HAWK,    AND   SCENES   IN    THE    WEST. 

The  merchants  loud  raving,  no  prospect  of  saving, 
And  all  went  to  ruin  at  las*. 

Let  the  people  be  sober,  and  wisely  give  over 
Their  hatred,  their  malice,  and  pride, 
Their  wild  speculation,  and  seek  their  salvation, 
By  each  one's  securing  a  bride. 

Then  all  will  be  well,  and  the  aged  will  tell 
Their  generations  yet  to  come, 
The  evils  endured,  when  first  they  secured 
In  this  lone  desert  a  home. 

The  Milwaukee  town,  destined  for  renown, 
In  all  her  grandeur  shall  rise  ; 
From  ten  thousand  domes  of  happiest  homes, 
Her  smokes  will  ascend  to  the  skies. 


BLACK  HAWK, 

AND 

SCENES   IN   THE   WEST. 


CANTO  v. 


THE      ARGUMENT. 


A  farther  description  of  Scenes  in  the  West — A  legend  of  the  Illinois  tribe 
of  Indians,  showing  in  what  manner  they  became  extinct. 


THIS  country's  everywhere  supplied  with  rivers ; 

Several  of  these  a  southern  course  pursue, 

And  swell  the  tide  of  noble  Illinois, 

Which,  from  the  north,  runs  central  through  the  State 

That  bears  its  name.     And,  also,  with  this  stream, 

Canal  and  lake  conjoin  in  prospect  fair, 

Forming  an  unobstructed  watery  road, 

Internal,  grand  communication  through, 

From  Gotham's  mart,  to  southern  town  Orleans  : 

St.  Louis,  central  city,  intervenes. 

n. 

What  scenes  we  know  not  once  did  pass ! 
For  blood  hath  flowed  upon  the  grass, 


216  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Which  waves  upon  these  beauteous  plains 
From  dying  men  and  heroes'  veins ! 
And,  here,  we  tread  on  holy  ground, 
The  dust  of  unknown  millions  round  ! 
Here,  mighty  nations  in  their  pride, 
Ambitious  lived,  lamented  died. 
So  say  the  walls  of  Aztalan, 
Replete  with  ancient  works  of  man. 
So  speaks  the  monumental  mound, 
Time  could  not  level  to  the  ground. 
We  know  they  lived,  but  who,  or  what  ? 
Their  origin  and  end  forgot ! 


in. 


O !  since  there  is  a  later  race, 

Of  which  we  can  some  history  trace, 

The  legend  we  will  here  relate, 

Which  shows  their  valor,  and  their  fate. 

For,  on  this  river's  eastern  shore, 

Once  dwelt  the  Illinois  of  yore, 

An  Indian  tribe  of  power  and  fame, 

From  whence  the  country  takes  its  name. 

Quite  small  in  numbers,  when  compared       ;< 

With  northern  tribes,  with  whom  they  warred. 

Provoking  them,  incurred  their  hate, 

And  hence,  their  sovereign  doom  and  fate. 

Declare,  O  muse  !  the  signal  hour 

When  sprung  the  strife,  and  from  what  power ! 

Encroaching  oft  upon  the  ground 

Where  Pottawatamies  abound, 

ft 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  217 


Time  immemorial,  the  war 

Had  lasted,  stained  their  lands  with  gore. 

The  Pottawatamies,  at  length, 

Enraged,  arose  in  all  their  strength, 

Prone  to  exterminate  that  race, 

The  puny  nation,  their  disgrace. 

A  general  council  now  they  call, 

Of  chiefs  and  warriors,  great  and  small ; 

Their  place  of  rendezvous,  on  Fox, 

The  Illinois  there  interlocks, 

Upon  its  western  banks,  and  near 

Where  northern  bounds  of  foes  appear. 


IV. 

Assembled,  Zash-u-on-a  rose, 
The  big-armed  chief,  in  whom  repose 
The  cares  paternal  of  his  State, 
And  thus,  began  he  to  relate  : — 

Time  immemorial,  began 
This  Illinois,  perfidious  clan, 
To  interrupt  our  peaceful  haunts 
With  violence,  robbery,  and  taunts. 
This  we  have  suffered  long  and  bore, 
Still  do  they  insult  us  more  and  more. 
Enough !  'tis  time  to  break  their  band*, 
They  well  deserve  it  at  our  hands. 
I  first  advise  each  valiant  chief, 
With  chosen  troops,  in  bold  relief) 
A  single  band  for  each  and  all, 
18 


218  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 

On  village  singled  out  shall  fall, 

Each,  suddenly,  upon  the  foe, 

And  cut  them  off  all  at  a  blow. 

Thus  shall  the  perjured  meet  their  end, 

And  deeds  of  glory  us  attend. 

So  spake,  and  sat,  and  silence  reigned  ; 

His  speech  presumed  had  well  obtained. 


v. 


Next  Pi-a-se-ka  upward  rose, 
And  chief  to  chief  in  thoughts  oppose. 
Addressing  thus  the  chief,  he  said  : 
Tis  rare  that  I  that  hoary  head 
Of  thine  oppose  ;  but,  when  the  State 
Requires  me  to  address  the  great, 
I'll  speak  my  sentiments  as  true, 
And  thou,  O  chief!  shalt  hear  it  too, 
And  counsel  wiser  wilt  not  spurn, 
Man  never  is  too  old  to  learn. 
Then  hear  my  words  ;  it  will  not  do — 
We  must  another  course  pursue  ; 
Three  thousand  warriors  we  can  raise, 
For  deeds  of  valor,  lasting  praise. 
Assembling  in  one  band  our  might, 
This  is  the  surest  way  to  fight. 
Then,  one  by  one,  united  strong, 
We'll  sweep  their  villages  along — 
Surrounding,  killing,  burning  all, 
And  wigwam  after  wigwam  fall ; 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST.  219 


Till  we  have  passed  their  scanty  realm, 

And  finished  all  to  overwhelm. 

Thus  shall  we  purchase  great  renown, 

And  glory  all  our  efforts  crown. 

This  is  the  plan  that  I  advise  ; 

Speak,  those  experienced,  brave  and  wise. 

A  jarring  intercourse  began, 

Speech  followed  speech,  man  after  man, 

Till  no  decision  seemed  to  sway, 

Is  this  or  that  the  better  way  ; 

While  angry  looks  and  words  were  rife, 

Proclaimed  the  growing  of  the  strife. 

VI. 

The  Illinois  were  soon  apprized, 
The  plot  their  enemies  devised. 
A  spy  had  sought  their  council-hall ; 
Concealed,  and  overhearing  all, 
Had  hastened  to  his  tribe  forlorn  ; 
Collected,  by  the  coming  morn, 
A  hundred  warriors,  hastened  back, 
And  on  their  council  made  attack 
By  night,  and  laid  a  hundred  dead, 
Before,  in  their  surprise,  they  fled  ; 
Expecting  all  the  tribe  in  mass, 
Had  fallen  on  them  in  that  pass. 
The  spy  pursued  them  all  that  night, 
And  slew  a  hundred  more  in  flight ; 
Then  gathering  up  the  scalps  that  lay, 
On  his  return,  at  dawn  of  day, 


220  BLA4X    HAWK,    AND 

He  crossed  the  noble  Illenoy, 

His  heart  elate  with  martial  joy, 

And  high  before  his  nation's  sight, 

Held  up  the  trophies  of  the  fight. 

To  their  surprise,  the  nation's  boon  ; 

But  vengeance,  vengeance,  followed  soon ! 


VII. 

Who  was  this  spy  returned  with  joy  ? 

The  bravest  chief  of  Illenoy  ! 

O-na-we-quah,  in  battle  brave, 

Done  much  his  people's  lives  to  save. 

He  now  addressed  them  ;  brothers,  said, 

Dark  night  has  left  the  dastards  dead. 

The  arm  of  Illinois  is  fate  ; 

His  enemy  has  felt  its  weight. 

His  squaws  do  in  their  wigwams  mourn  ; 

Dark  is  the  path  of  his  return. 

But  fell  revenge  is  in  his  breast  ; 

Those  who  have  given  him  unrest, 

He'll  strive  to  slay,  and  us  destroy  ; 

But  ready  stands  the  Illenoy. 

He  knows  the  war-path,  and  he  goes 

Eiultingly  to  meet  his  foes. 

The  rock  that  Manitou  has  given 

Is  close  at  hand,  and  high  to  heaven, 

From  whence  we'll  roll  upon  the  foe 

Destruction,  if  it  must  be  so. 

What  say,  my  brothers?  O-na-'quah 

Has  spoke  ;  his  word  alone's  not  law. 


SCENES    I3t    THE    WEST.  221 


A  murmur  of  approval  ran 
Through  all  the  camp,  from  man  to  man, 
Determined  to  defend  their  grounds, 
Till  death  should  settle  other  bounds. 


viii. 

While  they  their  safety  thus  contrived, 
The  Pottawatamies  arrived; 
Close  on  their  track  had  followed  soon, 
And  found  the  place  they  landed  on. 
The  shore  with  shouts  of  vengeance  rung 
As  lightly  on  the  turf  they  sprung. 
These  they  decoyed  in  a  ravine, 
Narrow,  where  nought  but  rocks  were  seen  ; 
Surrounding  them,  began  to  throw 
Arrows  and  stones  upon  the  foe, 
From  high  impenetrable  rock, 
While  in  the  deep  defile  they  flock. 
Down  stones  and  arrows  fall  in  showers, 
And  driving  rock  their  strength  o'erpowers  ; 
They  sink  beneath  the  flinty  rain, 
Two  hundred  warriors  fell  down  slain. 
Retreat  was  difficult  made  here, 
The  van  prevented  by  the  rear  ; 
Until  destruction  vastly  great, 
Caused  all  their  ardor  to  abate  ; 
Retreating,  crossed  the  Illenoy, 
And  left  the  tribes  they  would  destroy. 
19* 


222  BLACK    HAWK,    AlfD 

IX. 

The  Pottawatamies,  appalled, 
Another  council  quickly  called. 
Revenge  and  rancor,  ruthless  sway, 
The  ruling  passions  of  the  day. 
Had  lost  a  brother,  some  a  son, 
And  each  a  friend,  since  war  begun  ; 
Must  be  revenged  upon  the  foe, 
To  wipe  away  the  stain  of  wo. 
Their  safety,  too,  was  all  at  stake, 
Unless  they  signal  vengeance  take. 
To  spare  the  foe,  was  but  to  fall 
Themselves,  and  yield  to  numbers  small. 
Then,  raising  all  their  force,  at  length, 
Three  thousand  warriors,  in  their  strength, 
Resolve  they  will  return  no  more, 
Till  Illenoy  is  steeped  in  gore  ; 
And  this  perfidious  nation  pay 
The  cost  of  such  a  bloody  fray. 

x. 

Meantime,  the  Illinois  prepared 
To  meet  the  dreadful  storm  declared. 
Through  all  his  realm  the  chief  did  send, 
These  orders  on  his  words  attend  : 
O-na-we-quah  doth  send  to  call, 
From  every  village,  great  and  small, 
Commanding  that  there  none  remain, 
But  bring  their  corn,  and  stores,  and  grain, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  223 


To  where  their  foes<of  late  did  fall, 
Forthwith  assembling  with  their  all. 
Thence,  as  they  trace  the  river  down, 
They'll  see  a  rock  of  towering  crown, 
A  hundred  feet  above  the  stream, 
That  peaceful  by  its  base  doth  gleam. 
Obedient  to  their  leader's  call, 
They  near  the  place  assemble  all ; 
Two  thousand  souls,  in  signal  hour, 
The  remnant  of  a  tribe  of  power, 
By  savage  warfare  dwindled  down 
From  ancient  splendor  and  renown ; 
Before  the  rock  of  refuge  stood, 
Their  subterfuge  from  men  of  blood. 
Provisions  on  its  top  they  laid, 
And  preparations  needful  made, 
In  case  of  their  defeat,  to  stand 
A  siege  against  a  stronger  band. 
O-na-we-quah,  the  people's  soul, 
Left  some  the  passes  to  control ; 
Then,  with  the  rest,  he  made  his  way 
High  up  the  stream,  the  foe  at  bay, 
To  watch  their  motions,  and  annoy 
Their  fierce  descent  down  Illenoy. 
Concealing  all  his  trusty  ranks 
Behind  the  bushes  on  the  banks, 
Prepared  to  give  the  cautious  foe 
A  warm  reception  from  his  bow. 
He  hoped  them  to  decoy  on  shore, 
To  beat  them  where  he  did  before. 


834  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

This  done,  he  saw  them  on  the  way, 
Descending  down  in  dread  array, 
In  several  hundred  large  canoes, 
All  manned,  and  rowed  by  savage  crews. 
Aloof  they  kept,  away  they  bore, 
Till  they  beheld  men  on  the  shore  ; 
Then  came  to  land,  in  hopes  that  they 
Could  make  their  enemies  their  prey. 
But,  when  they  followed  till  they  saw 
The  deep  ravine,  they  did  withdraw, 
And  turned  with  a  sarcastic  smile, 
From  entering  into  that  defile. 
They  would  not  follow  there  again} 
Because  the  banks  were  lined  with  men 
Lest  they  should  meet  defeat,  yet  more, 
Be  forced  again  to  quit  the  shore. 
Embarking,  landed  lower  down, 
Intending  to  attack  a  town  ; 
But  O-na-we-quah  did  repair 
Unto  the  place,  and  met  them  there. 
Then,  chief  to  chief,  and  hand  to  hand, 
They  fought,  and  struggled  up  the  land. 


XI. 

The  Illinois  now  sought  the  wood, 
Defend  them  there,  they  better  could ; 
Pursued  with  rage,  compelled  to  flee 
Before  the  Pottawatamie. 
Here,  keeping  from  the  sight  of  foes, 
Continued  well  to  ply  their  bows, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  225 


And  springing  on  from  tree  to  tree, 
And  managing  most  skilfully, 
Slew  many  of  th'  approaching  foes 
By  sudden  darts  and  furious  blows. 
They  scattered  in  the  forest  wide  ; 
When  came  their  enemies  beside, 
They  bounded  on  them  close  in  fight, 
And  sealed  their  eyes  in  lasting  night. 
Sometimes,  by  mortal  stabs,  each  died, 
With  weapon  in  him,  side  by  side, 
While  both  a  mutual  vengeance  plead, 
And  claim  the  glory  of  the  deed. 
The  Illinois,  in  battle  brave, 
Done  all  he  could  his  tribe  to  save  ; 
But,  over-matched  by  numerous  foes, 
Three  times  his  number  to  oppose, 
Pursued  with  fierceness,  rage,  and  glee, 
Reduced  to  last  extremity, 
Compelled,  with  native  courage  bold, 
To  make  retreat  to  his  strong  hold. 
Knowing  the  paths  that  thither  led, 
Much  better  than  pursuers  did, 
Arrived  in  season  to  ascend 
The  rock  with  all  that  him  attend. 

XII. 

The  foe  arrived,  and  in  surprise, 
Cast  up  the  towering  rock  their  eyes ; 
Where  they  beheld  a  darkening  line 
Along  its  summit,  high  entwine, 


226  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Figures  ;  and  from  them  came  a  shout 
Of  long  defiance,  round  about ; 
Which  echoed  and  re-echoed  round  ; 
The  adjacent  rocks  return  the  sound. 
The  water  round  it  mildly  gleams, 
The  sun  threw  out  his  evening  beams 
Upon  the  silent  hosts  there  lay, 
So  late  engaged  in  bloody  fray. 
Besiegers  sought,  throughout  the  night, 
To  find  a  passage  where  they  might 
Ascend  the  rock  and  scale  the  walls  ; 
The  effort  vain,  and  them  appals. 
Of  places  found,  there  was  one  dent, 
And  this  of  difficult  ascent, 
Which  led  to  perpendicular  shelf, 
That  one  must  pass  but  by  himself, 
Then  through  a  crevice  in  the  rock, 
Bare  one  admitting,  not  a  flock. 
And  this  was  strongly  fortified, 
High  up  along  the  mountain's  side  ; 
And  near  the  top  a  strong  defence, 
To  cast  invaders  down  from  thence. 

This  was  the  only  passage  found, 
All  perpendicular  else  around. 
Besiegers  make  attempts  to  storm 
This  castle  in  that  only  form. 
And  now  begin  they  to  ascend  ; ' 
Deep  silence  on  their  steps  attend. 
In  single  file  each  followed  each, 
The  way  in  which  they  think  to  reach 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  227 


The  mount  above.     With  care  proceed ; 
Then  clambering  up  as  they  have  need, 
Step  after  step,  the  rocky  steep, 
T'  avoid  in  dark  a  fatal  leap, 
Fast  holding  to  the  shrubs  that  grew 
In  rocky  crevices  in  view, 
To  save  them  from  a  backward  foe, 
A  fall  into  the  deep  below. 
Sometimes  assisting  some  the  rest, 
To  climb  a  higher  cliff  or  crest, 
Until  at  length  they  gained  the  height, 
And  the  last  barrier  hove  in  sight. 


XIII. 

No  sound  above  upon  the  air, 

Did  indicate  they  knew  them  there. 

The  wary  leader  crept  along, 

In  breathless  silence  'fore  the  throng, 

Up  to  the  barricade,  to  see, 

And  raised  his  head  most  stealthfully 

Above  the  breast-work,  to  discern 

What  of  their  station  he  could  learn. 

The  last  sad  look  he  ever  gave, 

A  hatchet's  blow  his  forehead  clave. 

A  horrid  war-cry  instant  rose, 

And  retribution  on  their  foes, 

Most  terrible  in  high  degree, 

Did  follow  simultaneously. 

Down  fell  on  them,  like  thunder's  shock, 

A  ponderous,  huge,  and  jagged  rock, 


228  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Which  swept  the  passage  where  they  lay, 
And  followed  down  the  narrow  way. 
Its  hugeness  filled  the  opening  made, 
And  the  whole  passage  did  invade, 
The  narrow,  deep  defile,  or  glen, 
Which  now  was  full  of  armed  men ; 
And  gathering  force,  it  leaps  amain, 
And  thunders  down  upon  the  plain, 
Fast  crushing  out  the  lives  and  souls 
Of  all  before  it  as  it  rolls. 
Some  sought  to  fly.     A  dreadful  flight ! 
With  no  soft  couch  whereon  to  light ; 
Down,  headlong  down,  they  fled,  they  fled  ; 
The  rock  below  received  them  dead. 
A  pause  ensued  ;  an  awful  pause  ! 
Then  rose  a  shout  of  wild  applause, 
And  joy,  upon  the  midnight  air, 
From  those  from  death  delivered  there. 
Then  was  there  heard  the  doleful  groan, 
The  mortal  sigh,  the  low-like  moan, 
Of  wounded,  suffering  men  alloyed, 
Whose  lives  not  wholly  yet  destroyed. 
With  glee  they  cast  them  from  the  height ; 
And  when  arose  the  morn's  clear  light, 
It  shone  upon  a  human  pile, 
Whose  end  was  dire,  and  glory  vile. 


XIV. 

The  grief  of  Illinois  grew  less, 
His  soul  revived  by  such  success  ; 


SCENES    IN    THE     WEST.  229 


Believed  the  foe  would  now  retire, 
And  leave  him  to  his  heart's  desire. 
He  much  mistaken  was  in  this; 
The  foe,  convinced  their  future  bliss 
Destruction  of  their  foes  involved, 
To  pen  and  starve  them  here  resolved. 
The  Illinois  were  well  supplied 
With  food  ;  neglecting  to  provide 
A  fount  of  water  at  the  first, 
Began  to  suffer  much  from  thirst,      _ 
And  set  about  them  to  devise 
Some  method  to  procure  supplies. 
On  this  depended  their  salvation, 
With  this,  impregnable  their  station. 
They  ropes  of  bark  tied  all  in  one, 
And  vessels  by  this  means  let  down, 
To  draw  out  of  the  river's  brink, 
What  they,  or  die,  must  have  to  drink. 
But  ah  !  their  cruel  foes  were  near  ; 
No  water  could  ascend  them  here. 
Fast*  as  the  cords  were  gently  lowered, 
They  cut  them  off  with  knife  or  sword  ; 
Till  no  more  vessels  there  remained, 
Nor  drop  of  water  was  obtained. 
Now,  half-way  down  the  rock  was  found 
A  belt  of  shrubbery  reaching  round  ; 
By  careful  clinging  fast  to  this, 
One  round  can  pass  and  view  th'  abyss. 
And  now  it  was  proposed,  that  one 
Should  in  the  calm  of  night  go  down, 
•20 


230  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Adhering  close  on  hands  and  knees. 
Descending  by  the  shrubs  and  trees, 
Below,  enough  contrive  to  bring 
To  keep  from  instant  perishing. 
This,  by  a  chieftain  bold  and  young, 
His  song  of  death  uprising  sung  ; 
Who  volunteered,  'mid  sufferings  rife, 
Devoted,  at  the  risk  of  life, 
For  the  salvation  of  his  tribe, 
Attempted  was,  without  a  bribe. 


xv. 

Sometimes  holding  by  a  point, 
Where'er  the  craggy  rocks  disjoint ; 
Sometimes  letting  himself  down 
By  a  bending  cedar's  crown, 
Whose  roots  in  opening  chinks  grew  fair, 
Arrived  at  length  where  rocks  grew  bare  ; 
Then,  looking  upward,  round  on  all, 
Thought  of  th'  ascent  and  downward  fall, 
And  consequences  that  involve 
This  great  and  dangerous  resolve. 
Resolved  his  journey  to  pursue, 
Firm  taking  hold  of  one  that  grew 
Above  the  rest ;  beneath  his  weight 
It  bent,  and  swung  him  down  the  height. 
But  here  the  rock  was  smooth  of  face, 
His  feet  could  find  no  resting-place  ; 
And  further  he  could  not  proceed, 
Return,  abandon  must  the  deed. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  231 

More  fast  to  his  support  doth  cling ; 
And  now  he  gave  an  upward  spring — 
The  roots  did  crack  beneath  his  weight  • 
He  clung  convulsively,  though  late. 
It  broke  quite  from  its  fastening  there ; 
Then  heard  a  shriek  of  wild  despair, 
And  solemn  plunge  in  deeps  below, 
Resounding  to  the  height  of  wo. 
For  those  above  had  watched  his  way 
In  breathless  silence,  listening  lay, 
The  shriek  perceived,  the  plunge  he  gave, 
And  knew  him  lifeless  on  the  wave. 
Despair  fell  on  them  as  in  storm ; 
Thirst,  with  his  pale  and  meager  form, 
Stalked  fiercely  round.     The  children  cried 
For  water  first,  and  gasped  and  died. 
And  then  the  female,  and  less  strong, 
With  fevered  brain  and  swollen  tongue. 
Next  sturdy  men,  and  chiefs  unblest, 
Laid  down  in  their  last  sleep  to  rest ; 
Or  else,  with  language  uttering  nought, 
Or  sounds  uncouth,  with  misery  fraught, 
With  heated  blood  and  lips  parched  dry, 
And  frenzied  wildness,  fiery  eye, 
In  madness  of  delirium  throw 
Themselves  into  the  deep  below. 

XVI. 

Still  left  were  those  who  watched  the  height, 
And  gates  and  walls  by  day  and  night. 


232  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Days  passed  :  their  numbers  lessened  more, 

And  fell  to  ninety  and  three-score. 

These  had  not  lost  their  courage  all, 

And  ancient  glory  whence  their  fall. 

True,  was  their  sun  of  brightness  shorn, 

And  shone  not  on  them  as  in  morn 

Of  better  days,  in  early  bloom, 

When  foes  confronting  met  their  doom 

From  their  decrees  ;  and  when  they  gave 

To  hospitality  the  brave, 

And  done  their  will.     But  still  they  seem 

In  glory  of  that  brightening  beam, 

Like  fallen  angels  from  their  height 

Of  heaven  supreme;  still  shining  bright, 

Their  glory  but  eclipsed.     Still  great, 

And  mighty  to  accomplish  late, 

All,  all  that  suffering  men  could  need, 

To  stamp  with  glory  their  last  deed, 

Determined  to  go  down  below, 

With  what  remained  attack  the  foe. 

xvn. 

That  O-na-'quah,  beloved  chief, 
Was  still  alive,  was  some  relief, 
Although  his  sinewy  frame  and  strong, 
Emaciate  was,  through  suffering  long ; 
Yet  was  his  spirit  still  the  same, 
As  when  victoriously  he  came 
In  joyous  spring's  most  glorious  clime, 
From  fields  of  battle  in  his  prime — 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  233 


And  gathering  his  remaining  few, 
Declared  the  course  he  would  pursue. 
Shall  we  stay  longer  pent  up  here, 
Like  women  warriors,  slain  by  fear  ? 
The  glory  of  our  tribe  is  gone ! 
Seek  we  existence  to  prolong  ? 
And  give,  to  our  avenging  foes, 
A  triumph  greater  than  our  woes  ? 
Already  are  our  wariors  dead ! 
Beneath  this  turf  their  lowly  bed  ! 
Their  wonted  voices  cease  to  sound, 
Gone  to  the  happy  hunting-ground ! 
Our  squaws  and  children  buried  since, 
High  on  this  rock  of  our  defence. 
We  yet  are  left !     Wait  we  for  what  ? 
Shall  we  die  here,  and  be  forgot  ? 
Without  one  noble  effort,  wait 
Till  death  shall  come,  unbar  the  gate 
Of  our  strong  castle,  and  destroy 
What  mortal  men  can  but  annoy  ? 
And  let  in  on  us  coward  foes, 
Glad  witnesses  of  all  our  woes  ? 
Or,  shall  we  prove  unto  our  foe, 
That  vengeance  yet  is  ours,  though  slow  ? 
And  strength  unto  our  arms  belong, 
The  Illinois  in  death  is  strong? 
Come,  let  us  cut  our  way  through  hosts, 
And,  from  our  foes,  dismiss  the  ghosts ; 
That  they  may  tell,  to  shades  below, 
They  fell  not  by  a  feeble  foe. 
20* 


234  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

We'll  slay  of  them  until  we're  dead ; 
And  then,  at  least,  it  shall  be  said, 
We  passed  not  tmrevenged  away, 
To  regions  of  immortal  day, 
With  any  fear,  or  marks  of  shame, 
To  blast  the  glory  of  our  name. 
Come  on ;  the  war-club  we  will  wield ; 
Escape,  or  death,  shall  crown  the  field. 

XVIII. 

Approving  murmurs  on  the  air, 
Ran  round  the  little  circle  there. 
Each  seized  his  club,  and  eyed  the  gate 
Of  their  descent.     Some  fire,  though  late, 
Did  kindle  in  each  bosom  there, 
A  spark  to  save  them  from  despair. 
The  chief  beheld  his  words  had  sway ; 
An  omen  good — then  led  the  way. 
Down  went  the  remnant  of  a  race 
That  once  had  fame,  and  pride,  and  place 
'Mong  nations  mighty  of  the  earth  ; 
How  vain  their  ancient  power  and  worth ! 

XIX. 

Darkness  enveloped  mount  and  lawn, 
As  they  descended,  ere  the  dawn  ; 
Their  noise  astonished  much  the  foe, 
The  sentinels  watching  down  below. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  235 


They  heard  with  wonder,  gave  th'  alarm, 
Of  something  that  did  omen  harm  ; 
As  ghosts  of  those  they  fancied  fled, 
Were  coming  to  avenge  the  dead. 
But  onward  came  the  little  band, 
And,  in  a  moment,  hand  to  hand, 
Struggled  in  conflict  on  the  lawn, 
But  all  their  former  strength  seemed  gone. 
Their  clubs  refused  their  work  to  do, 
Their  blows  fell  feeble,  faint  and  few ; 
By  famine  weakened  and  depressed, 
The  will  was  there,  but  not  the  rest. 
But  O-na-'quah  did  seem  alone 
Endued  with  prowess  not  his  own  ; 
And  wonderful,  the  astonished  foes 
Gave  way  before  his  sturdy  blows. 
His  arm  did  keep  the  foe  at  bay, 
And  opened  for  his  friends  a  way, 
In  which  they  followed  on  in  train  ; 
But  in  the  rear  they  fell  as  rain. 
Yet  onward  passed  the  mighty  chief, 
His  foes'  affright,  his  friends'  relief; 
The  crowd  dividing,  breaking  through : 
His  friends  the  closing  path  pursue. 
Shouts  in  the  rear  disturb  the  air 
And  augur  there  was  carnage  there. 
But  sixteen  passed  secure  along 
The  dark  defile  amidst  the  throng. 
Unto  the  shore  they  held  their  way,     . 
To  where  their  foes'  canoes  did  lay  ; 


236  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Hard  pressed,  into  the  vessels  sprung, 
The  shore  with  imprecations  rung. 
All  but  the  chief  of  Illenoy  ; 
Who,  turning  to  his  friends  in  joy, 
Now  seated  in  their  foes'  canoes, 
Haste  and  anxiety  profuse  ; 
Fly,  followers  ye  of  O-na-'qua' ! 
Make  sure  your  safety  while  you  may ! 
O-na-'quah  needs  your  aid  no  more ! 
Down  stream  ply  every  useful  oar  ! 
Go !  he  repeated,  as  he  saw 
Them  wait,  and  call  for  O-na-'quah. 
Go !  leave  me,  leave  me,  on  the  shore  ! 
Our  tribe,  our  nation,  is  no  more  ! 
Life  is  not  needful  hence  to  me ; 
Nor  do  I  longer  wish  to  be ! 
My  cruel  foes  I  now  defy  ; 
I'll  stay,  and  with  my  kindred  die  ! 
Live  ye,  the  woful  tale  to  tell, 
How  much  we  suffered,  how  we  fell  ! 
They  seized  their  paddles,  cut  the  tide, 
Before  their  prows  the  waves  divide. 


xx. 

He,  like  a  lion,  stood  at  bay, 
His  foes  around  in  dread  array  ; 
None  dared  approach,  for  fear  of  harm, 
In  reach  of  his  uplifted  arm. 
Reproached  them  thus,  with  bitter  taunts, 
For  having  so  disturbed  his  haunts  : 


SCENES   IN   THE    WEST.  237 

Ye  cowards,  dastards,  as  ye  are  ! 
Remember  how,  in  baUlos  fair, 
How  oft  we  have  defeated  your 
When  you  had  hundreds,  we  but  few ; 
And  caused  your  bravest  chiefs  to  die, 
And  turned  your  boasted  victory 
To  slaughter  and  promiscuous  flight, 
Your  brightest  day  to  sudden  night. 
Come  singly  on,  and  you  shall  know 
I  make  no  flight  from  such  a  foe. 
Your  bravest  shall  before  me  lie, 
A  desperate  effort  ere  I  die. 
At  length  a  chief  in  prime  of  youth, 
Provoked  by  jeers  of  so  much  truth, 
With  hatchet  raised  above  his  head, 
To  strike  his  tribe's  reviler  dead, 
Ran  fiercely  up  ;  loud  clamors  rung, 
O-na-we-quah  upon  him  sprung 
Like  lion  fierce,  and  bore  him  down  ; 
Then  seized  his  hair,  and  doffed  his  crown, 
As  tigers  seize  upon  their  prey, 
While  on  the  earth  beneath  he  lay. 
That  moment  was  his  foe's  long  knife 
Sheathed  in  the  vitals  of  his  life, 
While  underneath  unslain  he  lay, 
Although  his  crown  was  torn  away. 
He  held  the  scalp  on  high  meanwhile, 
And  viewed  it  with  disdainful  smile ; 
Then  feeling  death,  no  more  he  said, 
But  fell,  and  earth  received  him  dead. 


238  BLACK    HAWK,    AND    SCENES    IN   THE    WEST. 

Below  St.  Louis  fled  tl>e  rest, 
Wed  with  some  other  tribe  more  blest ; 
And  thus  the  tribe  extinct  became, 
The  country  still  retains  the  name. 
They  live  in  legend  and  in  song ; 
Will  ever  fame  like  this  belong 
To  those  who  peaceful  live  and  die, 
Their  only  hope  beyond  the  sky  ? 
Nay  !  but  a  praise  of  nobler  birth, 
And  far  above  the  feuds  of  earth — 
A  higher,  nobler,  sweeter  song, 
Their  immortality  prolong, 
Round  happy  heaven's  enduring  throne, 
Too  great  for  language  to  make  known. 


BLACK  HAWK, 


SCENES   IN   THE   WEST. 


CANTO    VI. 


THE     ARGUMENT. 

A  farther  description  of  the  country — Massacre  of  Chicago — In  praise  of 
the  Western  Pioneer — His  situation,  recreations,  and  hunting  excursions 
described — Society  in  its  origin,  and  the  nature  of  his  title  to  the  public 
domain  illustrated — Battle  of  the  Mississippi,  and  total  defeat  of  Black 
Hawk — His  army's  disastrous  voyage  across  the  river — He  is  taken  pris 
oner,  and  conducted  to  the  capital  city — Makes  a  tour  through  the  United 
States,  and  is  shown  their  great  strength — He  returns  unto  his  own  land, 
and  dies  in  peace — Great  lamentation  is  made  over  him,  and  he  is  hon 
ored  above  all  the  generations  of  his  people  with  the  high  prerogative  of 
everlasting  remembrance. 


X. 

CHICAGO,  with  her  piers,  and  walls,  and  domes, 

And  spacious  edifices,  high-built  homes, 

And  towers,  the  retinue  of  city  life, 

All  arts,  professions,  occupations  rife, 

And  houses  of  resort  for  multitude, 

The  peasant,  tourist,  learned,  and  seclude  ; 


240  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Her  solemn  temples,  that  in  grandeur  vie 
With  decorations  sacred,  spires  on  high  ; 
Assemblies  solemn,  literati,  too, 
With  all  that  every  sacred  right  pursue  ; 
Critics,  and  editors,  and  authors  just, 
Those  led  by  sordid  avarice,  pride,  or  lust, 
Ambition,  love  of  riches,  place  and  name, 
Exalt  themselves,  while  others  they  defame  ; 
Her  beauteous  beaus  and  belles  in  rich  attire, 
All  sights  and  sounds  to  glad  the  heart  conspire, 
Was  once  the  land  of  dire  affray  and  blood, 
Along  Lake  Mich'gan's  green,  unstable  flood ! 
New-built  Chicago,  fated  thus  of  yore, 
The  grand  metropolis  of  this  western  shore. 


11. 

For  here  a  woful  scene  was  laid, 
Which  cast  all  others  in  the  shade  ; 
While  Hull  surrendered  up  his  van, 
And  wrought  the  fall  of  Michigan, 
Sad  scenes  to  be  remembered  long, 
And  history  fit  for  tragic  song. 
Town  from  the  river  takes  its  name, 
The  river's  from  a  chieftain  came  ; 
Some  say  from  native  onions  wild, 
Which  grew  along  its  current  mild. 
In  by-gone  years,  less  than  three-score, 
A  fort  was  built  upon  this  shore, 
And  manned  by  fifty  troops  of  ours, 
Defence  against  the  savage  powers, 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST.  241 

Iii  time  of  peace,  when  all  went  well. 
The  Pottawatamies  here  dwell, 
O'errun  the  country  and  the  town, 
Quite  lawless,  ranging  up  and  down  ; 
A  numerous  race,  with  other  tribes, 
Received  Tecumseh's  English  bribes, 
Fought  Harmar,  Wayne,  and  sage  St.  Clai 
With  shouts  of  blood  and  carnage  there  ; 
Red  from  the  ground  of  Tipp'canoe, 
Vengeance  for  slaughtered  chiefs  in  view. 
Few  other  families  here  reside, 
Shut  out  from  all  the  world  beside  ; 
No  place  of  safety  could  they  reach, 
Or  go  beyond  the  sandy  beach, 
Except  by  Indian  trails  each  way, 
Through  deserts  where  the  savage  lay. 
Nor  yet,  by  sea  a  passage  saw, 
Since  late  the  fall  of  Mackinaw, 
When  England's  trident  proudly  waved 
O'er  that  wide  lake  their  borders  laved. 


in. 

An  Indian  chief,  in  August  of  that  year, 
Tall  Winnemeg,  of  Pottawatamie  tribe, 
Despatches  brought  from  Hull,  in  high  command, 
To  Heald,  commander  of  Chicago's  fort, 
His  senior  ofT'cer  thus  instructing  him 
The  place  to  leave  could  it  be  safely  done, 
And  to  Fort  Wayne  repair,  on  Maumee  lying, 
High  up,  and  near  its  source  ;  in  which  event, 
21 


242  BLACK    HAWK,    ANE> 

All  goods,  provisions,  public  property, 

Should  be  distributed  among  the  tribes 

Of  neighboring  Indians,  them  to  pacify. 

Delivering  prompt  his  message,  Winnemeg 

Stated  to  Captain  Heald  that  he  well  knew 

The  purport  of  the  writings  he  had  brought ; 

Urged,  well  the  policy  of  his  remaining, 

With  ammunition,  arms,  provisions,  stores, 

So  well  supplied  to  stand  a  lengthy  siege. 

Howe'er,  in  case  he  would  depart  at  risk, 

He  urged  on  him  the  great  necessity 

Of  his  departure  thence  immediately, 

Before  the  foe,  whose  country  they  must  pass, 

Yet  ignorant  of  the  message  he  had  brought, 

Could  raise  a  force  sufficient  to  oppose  them. 

This  counsel,  though  'twas  faithfully  given,  was  not 

Sufficiently  regarded  by  the  off'cer, 

Who  said,  he  should  the  fort  evacuate, 

But  not  immediately,  because  of  orders 

To  give  the  public  stores  unto  the  tribes  ; 

Till  he  the  neighboring  Indians  had  collected, 

And  equitable  distribution  made, 

Could  not  feel  justified  in  leaving  here — 

A  scrupulous  honesty,  when  death  so  near ! 

But,  the  necessity  of  marching  out, 

And  leaving  everything  just  as  it  stood, 

Suggested  Winnemeg.     "For  then,"  said  he, 

*'  While  th'  Indians  are  dividing  of  the  spoils, 

Made  drunken  by  the  liquor  they  have  found, 

You  will  be  able  to  effect  retreat." 

Also,  this  good  advice  unheeded  fell. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  243 

Early  next  morn,  while  on  parade,  was  read 
The  orders  to  evacuate  the  fort. 


IV. 

The  junior  off'cers  he  had  not  consulted^ 

In  such  emergency  as  well  becomes, 

Because  a  coolness  did  exist  between  them. 

Not  known  the  cause,  nor  is  it  needful  now. 

The  ensign  and  lieutenant  waited  on  him, 

And,  learning  his  intentions  more  at  length, 

Against  them  did  remonstrate.     We  do  not, 

Said  they,  believe  our  troops  can  pass  in  safety 

The  Pottawatamie  country  to  Fort  Wayne. 

Although  their  chiefs,  a  part,  were  some  opposed 

To  an  attack  upon  us  in  the  autumn, 

Yet,  they  were  moved  by  private,  friendly  motives, 

Towards  individual  whites  they  much  respected  ; 

Not  the  Americans  at  large  regard. 

In  the  excited  state  they  now  are  in, 

We  cannot  deem  those  friendly  chiefs  have  power 

Their  warriors  to  restrain,  or  pacify, 

Or  influence  tribes  for  vengeance  thirsting  now. 

Besides,  said  they,  our  march  must  be  but  slow ; 

Our  children,  wives  must  go ;  our  troops  are  few, 

Some  invalids,  and  superannuated. 

Discretionary  as  your  orders  are, 

We  think  we'd  better  fortify  ourselves 

As  strong  as  possible,  and  here  remain. 

Succor  may  reach  us  ere  we  are  attacked, 

From  Mackina  ;  and,  should  this  come  to  pass, 


244  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Unto  the  English  we  had  better  fall, 

Than  yield  as  victims  to  a  savage  foe. 

To  this  replied  he,  we  are  quite  too  few 

To  stand  the  Indians  ;  said  he  should  be  censured, 

Should  he  continue  in  the  garrison, 

When  safe  retreat  apparent  seemed  to  him. 

He,  therefore,  deemed  it  still  advisable 

The  Indians  to  assemble,  and  distribute 

The  public  stores — an  escort  ask  of  them, 

With  promise  that  a  large  reward  be  paid, 

On  safe  arrival ;  adding,  that  he  had 

In  th'  Indians'  friendship,  perfect  confidence  ; 

F%m  whom,  forsooth,  the  fall  of  Mackina 

Had  been  concealed,  and  which  they  yet  knew  not. 


v. 


The  junior  oflf'cers,  after  this  reproof, 

From  their  self-swayed  commander  stood  aloof; 

Considering  his  designs  approaching  madness, 

But  little  said  that  savored  not  of  sadness ; 

And  murmuring  there  pervaded  much  the  ground, 

Disunion  menaced,  discord  stalked  around  ; 

Soldiers,  subalterns,  waked  to  discontent, 

Daring  from  their  superiors  to  dissent. 

Meanwhile,  the  savages  surround  the  camp, 

Reveal  their  anger  in  the  furious  stamp ; 

And  singly  entered  oft  the  fort,  defying 

The  sentinels,  who  their  entrance  stood  denying ; 

And  without  ceremony  make  their  way 

To  those  apartments  where  the  captain  lay. 


, 

SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  245 

For  ere  this  time  an  Indian  runner  sought 
Their  camp,  a  message  from  Tecumseh  brought, 
Informing  them  of  M ackina's  defeat, 
That  Hull  from  Canada  had  made  retreat ; 
To  Indians  news  most  glorious,  said  he, 
Arm  for  the  war,  and  strike  immediately. 
You'll  see  surrender  Hull  and  army  all, 
And  we  shall  reap  a  harvest  in  their  fall. 


vi. 

More  and  more  bold,  and  troublesome  became 
The  Indians  now,  whose  ire  began  to  flame. 
One  in  Heald's  parlor  ran,  took  up  a  gun, 
And  fired  it  off,  pretending  nought  but  fun. 
'Twas  thought  to  be  the  signal  of  attack, 
The  aged  chiefs  and  squaws  walked  forth  and  back 
Among  the  groups,  meantime  assembled  round ; 
Appeared  much  agitated,  eyed  the  ground 
With  looks  of  sorrow,  tears  anon  descending, 
As  though  some  great  calamity  impending ; 
For  some,  by  kindness  from  the  whites  received, 
Were  friendly,  and  at  their  destruction  grieved  ; 
Could  not  the  fury  of  the  rest  restrain, 
Impelled  by  vengeance  for  their  kindred  slain 
At  Tipp'canoe,  and  hopes  of  gain  immense, 
And  thirst  for  whiskey,  which  became  intense  ; 
For  plenty  had  the  garrison  in  store, 
And  this  they  knew,  desired  their  death  the  more. 
Howe'er,  no  movements  hostile  more  display, 
And,  without  bloodshed,  passed  another  day. 
21* 


246  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

But  yet,  each  inmate  here  retired  to  rest — 

Ah,  terrible  suspense  !     Oh,  souls  unblest ! 

Expecting  to  be  roused  from  where  they  lay, 

To  tragic  scenes  before  the  dawn  of  day  ; 

Till  clear  bright  morn,  appearing,  lent  them  breath 

Yet,  was  it  viewed  a  prelude  to  their  death ! 


VII. 

Yet,  so  infatuated  was  their  leader, 

That  he  supposed  the  savage  to  appease, 

And  lead  his  little  band  in  safety  forth, 

While  more  and  more  apparent  it  became 

To  others,  that  the  hope  was  truly  vain. 

From  villages  adjacent  now  arrived 

The  Indians,  and  a  council  held,  at  which, 

Save  Heald,  the  captain,  no  white  man  approached. 

Having  been  warned  of  massacre  intended, 

Which  they  him  told,  he  said  they  must  attend 

The  council-hall.     They  gave  a  prompt  refusal, 

And,  when  he  sought  the  council,  they  repaired 

Unto  the  block-house  which  it  overlooks  ; 

Opening  the  port-holes,  pointed  cannon  there, 

And  saved  themselves  from  massacre  that  day. 

Heald  told  the  Indians  that  he  would,  next  day, 

Distribute  'mong  them  all  the  factory  goods, 

Provisions,  ammunition,  and  supplies  ; 

Desired  of  them  an  escort  to  Fort  Wayne, 

Promised  a  great  reward  on  getting  there. 

The  Indians  friendship  most  sincere  professed, 

And  promised  everything  which  he  required. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  247 

The  council  was  no  sooner  broken  up, 
The  tone  of  feeling  that  pervaded  saw 
Many,  and  waited  on  Heald  to  disclose 
Opinions,  and  to  ope'  his  eyes,  could  they, 
His  true  condition  and  their  own  to  see. 
'Twas  wrong  to  furnish  Indians  thus  with  arms, 
For  use  against  themselves  ;  e'en  Captain  Heald 
Could  not  approve  on  better  counsel  heard. 
So  he  resolved,  without  the  least  advice, 
Not  heeding  his  agreement  with  the  Indians, 
That  he'd  destroy  the  arms  and  ammunition, 
Except  what  for  immediate  use  was  needed. 
Next  day  distributed  were  all  the  goods  ; 
When  eve  had  come,  the  ammunition,  guns, 
In  sally-port,  were  thrown  into  a  well ; 
The  liquor  carried  through  the  southern  gate, 
Thence  borne  in  silence  to  the  river's  brink, 
The  heads  of  barrels  knocked  in,  and  their  contents 
Discharged  to  mingle  with  Chicago's  flood. 
Indians,  suspecting,  watched  the  fort  so  near, 
Perceived  and  witnessed  everything  that  passed. 


VIII. 

Next  day  the  gloom  was  for  a  while  dispelled , 

By  Captain  Wells'  arrival  with  a  band 

Of  fifteen  friendly  Indians — son  of  Wells, 

A  general  much  distinguished  in  Kentucky. 

He,  when  a  child,  was  ta'en,  and  carried  off 

By  Indians,  and  adopted  as  a  son. 

Brought  up  and  lived  among  them  many  years, 


248  BLACK    I1AWK,  AND 

In  family  of  a  chief,  the  Little  Turtle, 

A  chieftain  famed  since  days  of  Pontiac, 

Commanded  Indians  at  St.  Glair's  defeat, 

And  he  who  poured  destruction  'mong  their  ranks, 

When  Wells,  but  second,  held  an  honored  post. 

He  left  the  Indian  ranks  for  better  cause, 

When  he  by  stealth  the  laws  of  whites  had  learned. 

The  wife  of  Heald  was,  too,  his  near  relation ; 

Hearing  the  danger  that  his  friends  were  in, 

That  rashly  Heald  did  hazard  so  their  safety, 

Came  there  to  save  them,  or  their  fate  to  share. 

Too  late  he  came  to  save,  for  learning  soon 

The  ammunition  and  supplies  destroyed, 

Or  given  away,  saw  no  alternative, 

Prepared  by  morrow's  sun  the  march  to  join. 

Before  the  king  of  day  went  down  to  rest, 

Was  held  another  council,  where  expressed 

The  Indians  their  resentment  in  strong  terms, 

For  loss  of  liquor,  arms,  and  ammunition — 

A  violation  of  good  faith,  said  they, 

Terms  of  the  treaty  not  fulfilled  as  promised  ; 

Had  seen  the  barrels  broken,  spirits  spilled, 

And  tasted  of  the  river-grog  next  morn. 

Murmurs  and  threats  through  all  the  council  ran. 

Black  Hawk,  in  his  allusion  to  this  thing, 

Says  : — Had  the  whites  but  kept  their  promises, 

No  blood  on  this  occasion  had  been  shed. 

A  chief  of  some  renown,  Black  Partridge  was  ; 

A  chief  that  favored  much  the  white  man's  cause. 

But  savage  anger  he  could  not  allay, 

When  provocation  had  their  vengeance  rousedc 

Soon  as  the  council  had  adjourned,  he  came 


SCENES    iy    THE    WEST.  249 

To  Heald,  and  taking  off  a  medal,  worn 
Long  time  in  friendship,  Father,  said,  I  come 
To  give  you  up  the  medal  which  you  gave, 
Long  worn  by  me  in  token  of  our  friendship. 
Our  young  men  are  resolved  to  imbrue  their  hands 
In  blood.     I  can't  restrain  them,  will  not  wear 
This  token  when  compelled  to  be  a  foe. 
Had  doubts  existed,  now  they  were  at  end. 

IX. 

Still  did  the  garrison,  to  death  devoted, 

Continue  to  prepare  for  morrow's  march. 

Some  gallant  spirits,  buoyant,  cheered  the  rest ; 

All  things  disposed  and  ready  made  that  eve, 

To  rest  retired,  a  wild  unsccming  rest, 

With  anxious  cares  and  wakefulness  much  fraught. 

Soon  came  the  dawn,  and  beautifully  bright, 
Phoebus,  on  burning  chariot,  brought  the  light, 
New-born,  and  Michigan  before  them  rolled, 
In  shining  splendor,  as  of  burnished  gold. 

Then,  to  th*  American  camp,  a  message  came, 
From  chief  To-pee-na-bee,  St.  Joseph's  band, 
Informing  them  of  mischief  brewing  in 
The  Pottawatamies'  camp,  sworn  to  escort  them. 


Now  from  the  fort,  in  order  and  array, 
The  troops  with  martial  music  take  their  way. 
Wells,  at  the  head  of  his  Miami  friends, 
With  blackened  face,  as  Indian  custom  tends, 


250  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Led  on  the  van.     With  loaded  guns  in  hand, 
The  garrison,  with  those  who  have  command, 
Next  follow  on ;  while  next,  and  in  the  rear, 
The  wagons  for  the  sick  and  young  appear. 
The  Pottawatamies,  five  hundred  strong, 
Behind  all  these,  a  dense  and  motley  throng, 
Sworn  to  escort  them  safely  to  Fort  Wayne  ; 
Ne'er  was  a  trust  reposed  so  much  in  vain ! 


XI. 

Those  in  advance  no  sooner  sand-hills  reach, 
Which  separate  the  prairie  from  the  beach, 
When  the  whole  escort  rear  deceitful  prove, 
Their  station  leave,  diverging  towards  a  grove, 
j'T'   «sAnd  pass  along  the  sand-hill's  southern  side, 

Which  intervening,  now  the  bands  divide. 
*  .  g         And  having  soon  effected  this  their  plan, 

Showed  their  intentions  hostile  in  the  van. 

At  this,  who  at  the  general  welfare  aimed, 

Kind  Wells  rode  back,  and  to  the  whites  exclaimed  : 

They're  going  to  fight  !  form,  instantly,  and  charge  ! 

His  words  were  followed  by  a  quick  discharge 

Of  musketry,  behind  the  sand-hills  'twine  ; 

The  troops  were  instant  formed  into  a  line, 

And  charged  as  they  ascended  up  the  hill, 

A  man  of  seventy  years,  a  veteran,  fell. 


xn. 

'Tis  needful  that  we  paint  the  deeds  of  yore, 
That  drenched  in  crimson  this  ill-fated  shore. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  251 

The  fight  was  general ;  the  Miamis  fled  ; 
Their  chief  rode  to  the  Indians,  and  thus  said  : 
You  act  a  double  part,  your  trust  betray, 
I'll  be  revenged  on  you  another  day ! 
I'll  be  the  first  to  raise  an  armed  force, 
To  punish  you  for  such  a  treacherous  course. 
Then  brandishing  his  tomahawk  their  cheek, 
Rode  off,  his  boon  companions  'scaped,  to  seek. 
But  nothing  more  of  him  or  them  was  seen, 
Since  their  last  scampering  o'er  the  prairie  green. 

XIII. 

The  American  troops  were  gallant,  true,  and  bold, 
Though  numbers  few,  their  lives  they  dearly  sold  ; 
In  battle  died,  and  knew  their  end  was  near, 
Sought  to  forget  all  that  on  earth  was  dear. 
Vorhees,  the  surgeon,  while  the  battle  raged, 
As  in  the  thickest  fight  he  too  engaged, 
Severely  wounded,  suffering  much  with  pain, 
His  bounding  courser  'neath  his  master  slain, 
Approached  the  consort  of  Lieutenant  Helm  ; 
Said  thus  to  her : — Think  you  they'll  overwhelm, 
And  take  our  lives,  and  not  as  captives  spare  ? 
My  wound  I  think  not  mortal,  don't  despair. 
Perhaps,  by  giving  all  we  can  afford — 
Perhaps,  by  offering  them  a  large  reward, 
We  may  prevail,  our  safety  to  advance  ; 
And  do  you  think  there  can  be  any  chance  ? 

XIV. 

Oh,  Doctor  Vorhees !  spake  the  lady  Helm, 
Let's  neither  suffer  woes  to  overwhelm, 

* 


$52  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Nor  waste  the  moments  few  that  yet  remain, 

In  idle  hopes — ill-founded,  vague  and  vain ! 

Our  fate's  inevitable  !  this  is  clear  ; 

Must  soon  before  Jehovah's  bar  appear! 

While  yet  within  our  power,  let  us  prepare, 

And  make  our  peace  with  him  by  faith  and  prayer. 

Oh  !  oh  !  said  he,  this  is  no  time  to  pray  ! 

Confused,  a  time  of  suffering  and  affray. 

I  cannot  die  !  I  am  unfit  to  die ! 

Although  my  dissolution  seems  so  nigh. 

Ah  !  had  I  to  prepare  a  longer  space  ! 

Death !  O  how  awful!  stares  me  in  the  face  ! 


xv. 

This  moment  witnessed  Ensign  Ronan's  fall  ; 
Was  fighting  with  two  portly  Indians  tall, 
Contending  desperately  upon  one  knee, 
Was  nearly  down,  and  wounded  mortally. 
Pointing  her  finger  there,  the  strife  inferred. 
Directing  his  attention  thitherward, 
Behold  !  said  she,  that  young  man,  how  he  dies ! 
How  like  a  soldier  !     Vorhees  thus  replies  : 
Yes  !  he  perceives  no  terrors  in  his  fate, 
And  has  no  fears  of  any  future  state  ! 
An  unbeliever — but  not  so  with  me, 
A  candidate  for  dread  eternity  ! 

xvi. 

Now  raised  his  tomahawk,  a  savage  young, 
And  struck  at  Lady  Helm.     She  instant  sprung 


SCENES   IN    THE    WEST.  253 

Aside,  evading  from  her  head  full  well, 
The  blow  intended,  on  her  shoulder  fell. 
She  grappled  with  the  Indian,  sought  in  strife 
To  seize  and  take  away  his  scalping-knife  ; 
And  while  she  did  this  Indian  warrior  clasp, 
Another  seized,  and  dragged  her  from  his  grasp  ; 
Bore  her  resisting,  onward  towards  the  lake, 
As  though  'twere  better  drowning,  life  to  take. 
But,  as  he  bore  her  rapidly  away, 
She  recognized  among  the  dead  that  lay, 
The  lifeless  surgeon,  man  unfortunate  ! 
Who  sought  no  grace  until  it  was  too  late. 


XVII. 

The  Indian  plunged  her  in  the  water  deep, 
She  managed  'bove  the  waves  her  head  to  keep, 
She  soon  perceived  her  captor  did  not  seem 
Resolved  to  drown,  but  rather  to  redeem, 
From  savage  violence,  this  his  prisoner  fair. 
This  seen,  she  viewed  him  with  attentive  air  ; 
And  now,  in  spite  of  painted,  black  disguise, 
The  white  man's  friend  in  him  did  recognize. 
It  was  Black  Partridge.     When  the  battle  ceased, 
And  danger  less,  safe  from  the  waves  released 
His  prisoner,  and  conducted  her  away 
Along  the  sand.     It  was  a  sultry  day ; 
Much  overcome  by  heat,  and  efforts  made 
Beyond  her  strength,  and  burdens  on  her  laid, 
And  anxious  for  the  safety  of  her  friends, 
And  for  her  own,  the  evil  that  attends, 
22 


254  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Her  state  was  one  of  misery  and  suspense, 
And  what  she  felt  was  agony  intense. 


XVIII. 

The  troops  with  desperation  fought, 
Until  two-thirds  their  death  had  wrought; 
The  rest  surrendered  to  the  foe, 
And  grace  received,  accounted  so. 
Save  one,  a  sacrifice,  who  turned 
From  mercy,  and  their  offers  spurned  ; 
A  soldier's  consort,  often  told, 
To  tortures  worse  than  death  were  sold, 
Those  captive  to  the  Indian  bands, 
Resolved  she'd  fall  not  in  their  hands. 
And  when  the  foe  her  presence  sought, 
To  make  her  prisoner,  desperate  fought ; 
And  though  assured  of  treatment  kind, 
Unchanged  the  purpose  of  her  mind — 
Refused  protection,  would  not  yield, 
Was  cut  in  pieces  on  the  field. 

XIX. 

A  wagon,  children  twelve  contained, 
Still  on  the  strand  untouched  remained  ; 
A  single  savage  gave  a  yell, 
Approached  the  place,  and  on  them  fell. 
As  cruelty  itself  to  mock, 
All  fell  beneath  his  tomahawk. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  255 


Wells  saw  at  distance,  yet  unharmed, 
Exclaimed  aloud,  his  foes  alarmed, 
Though  he  to  them  a  prisoner  was, 
"  O,  what  a  violated  cause  ! 
If  this  's  your  conduct,  I'll  kill  too  ! 
Your  squaws,  papooses  will  pursue !" 
Then  turned  his  courser's  head  around, 
Rode  off  unto  their  camping-ground. 


xx. 


Now,  soon  as  he  had  started  on  his  way, 

There  followed  several  Indians  in  his  rear, 

Discharged  their  rifles  at  him  as  he  flew. 

He  laid  himself  flat  on  his  courser's  neck, 

And  got,  as  one  would  thought,  quite  out  of  reach, 

When  lo  !  one  ball  from  his  pursuers  sped, 

Which  execution  done  exceeding  rare, 

Severely  wounded  him,  and  killed  his  steed. 

Again  a  prisoner,  savage  foes  came  up. 

Wa-ban-see,  Winnemeg  were  both  his  friends — 

Among  the  number,  sought  his  life  to  save, 

Already  disengaged  him  from  his  steed, 

And  kindly  were  supporting  him  along, 

When  Pe-so-tun,  a  Pottawatamie, 

Drew  out  his  scalping-knife,  and  stabbed  poor  Wells ; 

Inflicting  in  the  back  a  mortal  wound. 

In  arms  of  friends  he  fell,  and  breathed  his  last, 

A  sacrifice  for  those  he  came  to  save. 


256  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 


XXI, 


The  battle  ended,  prisoners  all  secured, 

Conducted  to  the  Indian  camping-ground  ; 

And  here  the  wife  of  Wau-bee-nee  perceiving 

The  lady  Helm's  exhaustion  so  extreme, 

A  kettle  took,  and  dipping  up  some  water 

From  sluggish  stream  there  flowing  constantly, 

Some  maple-sugar  stirring  in  it, 

Gave  her  to  drink  forthwith.     It  was,  said  she, 

The  most  delicious  draught  I  ever  tasted. 

The  kindness  of  her  manner,  'mid  such  scenes 

Atrocious,  touched  my  heart.     The  fort  became 

A  scene  of  plunder.     Beasts  of  stall  lay  round, 

Or  dead,  or  dying,  scattered  o'er  the  ground ; 

The  words  of  Ensign  Ronan  called  to  mind, 

"  Such  is  our  fate,  to  be  like  brutes  shot  down  !" 

The  wounded  prisoners  fell  ;  while  those  unhurt, 

Remained  in  wigwams  of  their  conquerors. 

Complete  the  work  of  plunder  now  ;  division 

Being  made  of  all  the  finery  in  the  fort, 

Shawls,  ribbons,  feathers,  beads,  in  rich  profusion 

Scattered  about,  the  fort  was  set  on  fire. 

The  Indian  trader  having  hence  removed 

Across  the  stream,  Wa-ban-see  and  Black  Partridge 

Stood  sentinels  at  his  door.     All  things  seemed  tranquil  j 

But  now  another  swarm,  more  hungry,  came 

From  Wabash  country,  most  implacable 

Of  all  the  bands  of  Pottawatamies. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  257 


XXII. 


To  carry  tidings,  runners  had  been  sent 
To  all  their  villages,  informing  them 
The  fort  to  be  surrendered,  and  its  spoils 
Divided,  and  the  people  massacred. 
These  hurried  joyful  on  with  utmost  speed, 
To  reap  rich  harvests  from  the  awful  scene, 
And  share  the  glory  of  so  vile  a  deed. 
Arriving  at  Aux  Plains,  they  met  returning, 
A  party  bearing  a  wounded  chief  along. 
Informed  by  these  a  battle  had  been  fought, 
A  victory  gained,  divided  all  the  spoils — 
The  prisoners  sported  with,  and  they  not  there, 
Unbounded  was  their  rage.     Then  hastening  much 
Their  march,  until  Chicago  they  had  reached, 
In  token  of  designs  malevolent, 
Their  faces  blackened — marked  the  trader's  house 
For  massacre,  to  reap  a  plundered  share. 
Amid  th'  assembled  household  and  their  guard, 
His  parlor  entered,  ceremony  none.x 
In  silence  sullen,  on  the  carpet  floor, 
With  anger  in  their  looks,  themselves  they  scat, 
As  though  in  taciturn  they  would  explore, 
And  taunt  devoted  victims  ere  their  time  ; 
(A  doom  anticipated,  deepens,  more  sublime!) 
Impress  an  earnest  of  impending  wo, 
Or  on  so  base  design  an  air  of  grace  bestow. 
22* 


258  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 


XXIII. 

Black  Partridge  saw  their  looks,  and  knew  what  passed 

Within  them — to  remonstrate  dared  not  haste. 

To  Wa-ban-see  said,  in  an  under  strain  : — 

To  save  our  friends,  our  efforts  are  in  vain  ; 

The  trader  and  his  house  remain  no  more  ! 

I  now  behold  them  slain,  their  loss  deplore ! 

There's  nought  of  effort  can  prevent  their  doom — 

But  hark  !  another  band  of  Indians  come 

Across  the  stream,  a  friendly  whoop  I  hear ; 

Who  knows  what  chance  of  safety  may  appear  ? 

Alert  upon  his  feet  Black  Partridge  sprung, 

Advancing  to  the  river,  met  the  throng. 

When  gained  the  bank,  he  thus  accosts  their  chief: — 

Who  are  you,  sir  ?  and  do  you  bring  relief? 

I  am  a  man,  their  leader  prompt  rejoined  ; 

But  who  are  you,  of  such  assuming  mind  ? 

A  man  like  to  yourself;  but  tell  me,  chief, 

Who  are  you  for  ?  and  do  you  bring  relief 

To  peaceful  men,  who  always  keep  their  faith  ? 

You  who  so  late  arrived  ?  Black  Partridge  saith. 

Then  he  replied  :  The  Sau-ga-nash  proclaimed, 

I  am  ;  though  Billy  Caldwell  oftener  named. 

My  father  was  an  off'cer  of  high  rank — 

My  mother  Wyandot,  to  be  thus  frank. 

'Mong  them  an  heir  to  princely  power  I  fall, 

Though  educated  sure  in  Montreal. 

Adopted  chief  upon  my  mother's  side, 

But  Englishman,  or  Sau-ga-nash,  my  pride. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  259 

If  thus  you  arc,  life  on  your  steps  depends  ! 
Your  presence,  nought  but  this,  can  save  your  friends  ; 
Then  make  all  haste,  and  to  your  speed  add  wings, 
Fly  quickly  ;  ask  not  more  the  state  of  things  ! 


XXIV. 

Then  hastened  to  the  place  the  new  arrived, 
And  entered  there  with  calm  deliberate  step  ; 
And,  seemingly  unconscious  of  what  passed, 
Well  pleased,  his  own  accoutrements  took  off, 
And  laid  aside  5  his  rifle  placed  away 
Behind  the  door.     Saluting  them,  he  said  : — 
How  now,  my  friends  ?  a  pleasant  day  to  you. 
Enemies,  I  was  told,  were  lurking  round  ; 
But  I  rejoice  that  here  are  none  but  friends. 
Why  have  you  blacked  your  faces  ?  do  you  mourn 
The  loss  of  relatives  in  battle  slain  ? 
(Mistaking  their  intentions  purposely,) 
Or,  are  you  fasting  ?  if  so,  ask  our  friend 
Here,  and  he'll  give  you  all  you  want  to  eat. 
He  is  the  Indian's  friend,  and  ne'er  refused 
For  once  to  set  before  them  what  they  need. 


XXV. 

Ta'en  by  surprise,  the  foes  ashamed  became, 
Nor  deigned  their  baneful  purpose  once  to  name  ; 
But,  softened  down,  in  tones  subdued,  they  said  : 
Some  cotton,  white,  in  which  t'  enwrap  our  dead, 
We've  come  afar  to  ask  of  our  kind  friend, 
That  decency  our  burial  rites  attend. 


260  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

'Twas  given  with  presents,  some  increase  of  store  ; 
Appeased,  they  went  in  peace,  and  came  no  more. 
Hoald  shared  two  wounds,  full  seven  his  beauteous  bride 
For  she  a  steed  of  noble  blood  did  ride  ; 
The  foe,  uninjured,  sought  it  to  obtain, 
And  on  the  rider  flung  their  darts  amain. 
One  demon  furious  on  her  did  advance, 
Armed  with  a  rifle,  tomahawk,  and  lance. 
»         His  tomahawk  uplifted  to  destroy  ; 

Now  she,  in  time  of  danger,  was  not  coy — 

Accustomed  there,  amid  rough  scenes  to  dwell, 

She  knew  the  Indian  character  full  well ; 

Arid,  looking  him  directly  in  the  face, 

She  smiling  said  : — You  surely  won't  disgrace 

Your  noble  person,  raise  that  valiant  arm 

Against  a  feeble  squaw,  to  kill  or  harm  ? 

The  warrior's  arm  fell  nerveless  by  his  side  ; 

The  words  had  reached  his  heart,  and  touched  his  pride 

Thus,  innocence  and  right  prevail  o'er  wrong, 

And  peerless  heroines  subdue  the  fierce  and  strong. 


XXVI. 

But  others  yet  pursue.     Then  up  came  one 
So  rude,  well  nigh  the  fatal  deed  had  done  ; 
Was  in  the  act  to  tear  her  head-dress  of£ 
To  gain  his  trophies,  and  the  crown  to  dofl' ; 
When  to  her  rescue  came  up  Chaudonnaire, 
Of  tribe  St.  Joseph,  honorable  and  fair, 
And  offered  for  her  ransom,  his  new  prize, 
A  captured  mule,  ten  bottles  rum  likewise ; 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST.  261 

The  last  temptation  o'er  her  foe  prevailed. 
But  her  perceiving  had  been  much  assailed, 
And  wounded  oft,  observed  that  she  might  die  ; 
The  buyer  would  the  whiskey  then  deny. 
Inquired  if  he  would  risk  vicissitudes ; 
He  gave  assent,  the  bargain  thus  concludes. 

XXVII. 

Cast  with  her  children  in  a  boat  on  shore, 
A  buffalo  robe  thrown  o'er,  she  was  enjoined 
Silence,  as  life  she  valued.     Here  remained 
Still,  uttering  nought  of  sounds  could  her  betray, 
To  foes  who  came  for  captives  there  to  search. 
Meanwhile,  by  an  Indian  from  the  Kan-ka-kee, 
Who  had  for  him  strong  personal  regard, 
Her  lord  was  captured.     He,  beholding  them, 
The  wounded,  feeble  state  his  wife  was  in, 
Requiring  care,  by  pity  moved,  released 
His  prisoner  without  ransom,  to  attend 
Her  to  St.  Joseph's.     Here,  by  Chaudonnaire, 
Conveyed.     The  Indian  who  so  nobly  done, 
Set  free  his  prisoner,  to  his  tribe  returning, 
Saw  their  displeasure  manifest  so  great, 
That  he  resolved  a  journey  to  this  place, 
His  prisoner  to  reclaim.     But  news  of  this 
Preceded  him.     Then,  by  Ke-poo-tah's  aid, 
And  Ta-pa-na-beo,  they  were  ta'en  on  board 
A  bark  canoe,  and  paddled  by  a  chief 
And  wife  to  Mackina,  along  the  coast; 
Received  as  prisoners  there,  thence  to  Detroit 
Were  sent.     In  final  time,  and  happier  hour, 


282  BLACK  HAWK,  AND 

When  friends  did  triumph  over  British  power, 

Perfidious  Proctor  felt  in  turn  defeat, 

And  great  Tecumseh  fell,  they  were  exchanged. 

Lieutenant  Helm  was  wounded,  prisoner  made, 

And  carried  off  by  Indians  to  Ati  Sable ; 

St.  Louis  thence,  and  captive  there  time  long  ; 

When,  through  the  aid  of  him  who  deals  in  furs, 

Who  o'er  the  tribes  had  influence,  was  set  free. 

Wounded,  his  bride,  her  courser  slain  beneath  ; 

When  scenes  surpassing  romance,  suffered  through, 

Led  captive  to  Detroit.     But  whether  she 

E'er  met  her  faithful  love  on  earth  again — 

Conjectured  here  he  did  not  long  remain, 

History  informs  not  us.     But  one  thing  true, 

She  long  survived  him,  lived  in  honor,  too. 

The  soldiers  and  their  wives,  and  children  all, 

Among  the  foe,  where'er  their  lot'did  fall, 

On  Wabash,  Illinois,  and  Rock  were  ta'en ; 

Milwaukee  some  ;  there  until  spring  remain 

With  their  wild  captors,  some  a  longer  space, 

Much  longer  ;  at  their  hands  did  find  more  grace 

Than  friends  anticipate,  till  ransom  came, 

And  heaven-made  peace  restored  their  rightful  claim. 

XXVIII. 

That  old  and  mighty  hunter,  Time, 
Whose  feats  are  known  in  every  clime, 
Swings  his  broad  scythe  with  ruthless  sway, 
Sweeps  all  the  sons  of  men  away. 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST.  263 

A  lofty  generation  dies, 

Another,  and  another  rise  ; 

And  bards  that  sweetly  sung  of  yore, 

In  Grecia,  Rome,  or  Albion  shore, 

Lie  low  in  dust,  their  harps  unstrung, 

And  mute  the  voice  of  those  who  sung. 

And  ancient  colonists  there  were, 

Who  loved  to  breathe  the  mountain  air, 

As  now  do  these.     They  had  their  day, 

Flourished  and  fell,  and  knew  decay  ; 

And  so  shall  these — and  in  their  place, 

Successive  spring  another  race, 

Forgetful  of  their  sires  ;  alone, 

And  only  studious  of  their  own. 

Ah  !  since  their  race  so  soon  is  run, 

Like  shadows  ended  with  the  sun, 

Haste  to  resound'their  praise,  before 

They're  numbered  with  the  dead  of  yore  ! 

Ask  no  reverse,  O  son  of  earth ! 

Enough  thou  art  of  heavenly  birth  ; 

Nor  seek,  lamenting  o'er  thy  fate, 

To  give  th'  appointed  bounds  a  date. 

Oh  !   be  content  to  have  thy  day, 

Its  boon  of  praise,  its  transient  lay  ; 

Then,  ripe  in  virtue,  mount  on  high, 

To  realms  of  pleasure  in  the  sky. 

Let  others  flourish  in  thy  room, 

For  this  is  clear  the  sovereign  doom, 

And  will  of  God  to  mortal  men, 

Who  grants  them  years  three-score  and  ten. 


264  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

O,  does  there  still  exist  on  earth, 
The  fire  which  gave  the  Iliad  birth  ! 
Made  mortal  men  immortal  here, 
By  painting  meed  to  fancy's  ear  ? 
Or  died  it  with  the  fall  of  Rome, 
Of  Grecian  architect  and  dome  ; 
When  great  Pantheon  felt  decay, 
Or  Pope  and  Milton  passed  away  ? 

XXIX. 

If  strains  of  mounting  fire  Hesperian  lands 
Can  boast  from  harps  attuned  by  minstrel  hands  ; 
Or  any  power  of  tune  to  thee  belong, 
Raise,  muse,  to  western  pioneers  a  song! 
Come,  lovely  Clio  !  yet  for  once  inspire 
A  dull  recluse  with  thine  immortal  fire  ! 
That  o'er  the  poet's  soul  soft  rapture  flings ; 
Attune  the  lyre,  and  touch  the  tender  strings  ! 
On  great  Columbus  be  due  honors  shed, 
Of  all  the  rest,  the  sovereign  and  the  head. 
And  thou,  O  Boone  !  shalt  be  remembered  long, 
Of  western  pioneers  first  in  the  throng. 
Johnson  and  Harrison,  who  fought  on  Thames, 
Benton,  and  Clay,  and  Cass,  are  western  names  «, 
Jackson,  who  served  the  country  in  his  prime, 
Unyielding  man,  the  hero  of  his  time  ; 
Immortal  men,  on  western  hearts  engraved, 
By  tyrant  custom  could  not  be  enslaved  : 
Statesmen,  of  whom  our  countrymen  are  proud. 
Round  such,  what  awe,  what  recollections  crowd ! 


SCENES   IN   THE    WEST.  265 

The  tide  of  emigration  rolls  along, 

Beneath  such  sapient  minds,  and  hands  so  strong, 

Like  mountain  torrents  tumbling  from  the  hill  ; 

Must  every  mountain,  every  valley  fill  ; 

Millions  on  millions  hail  the  glorious  land, 

And  crown  it  with  the  works  of  their  ingenious  hands. 

Virtuous  and  free,  a  blessing  on  mankind  ; 

Where  reigns  forever  free  immortal  mind. 

And  thou,  far  Oregon  !  with  mountains  high, 

Whose  snowy,  cloud-capp'd  towers  salute  the  sky, 

Present  one  spacious  garden  to  the  sight, 

Whose  clustering  beacons  mock  the  starry  night  ; 

Till  meet  the  eastern  and  the  western  main, 

Till  the  whole  continent  one  subject  plain, 

One  happy  people  fill  from  shore  to  shore, 

One  happy  people  hear  each  ocean  roar  ; 

One  glorious  nation,  send  up,  blest  and  free, 

Their  universal  shout  of  liberty  ; 

So  loud  and  long,  that  all  the  earth  shall  hear, 

And  all  her  kings  shall  shrink  away  with  fear, 

And  learn  our  glorious  governmental  plan, 

Till  man  no  more  shall  domineer  o'er  man. 


XXX. 


The  canvass-sheltered 

.  pioneer  I  name, 
And  he  who  lar  r 

^om  eastern  country  came. 

Hi's  s'tocf  'S  ''-**  famUy  are  draw"' 

t     *  he  drives  before  him  o'er  the  lawn. 

er  Divers,  hills,  and  dales,  for  many  a  day, 
.*  tour  through  many  States,  he  takes  his  way  : 
23 


266  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Under  the  open  heavens,  in  prospect  clear, 

Arrives,  at  length,  the  weary  pioneer. 

The  opening  heavens  around  his  pathway  shine, 

And  nought  he  marks  but  owns  the  hand  divine  ; 

And  now  with  logs  his  cabin  he  doth  build, 

With  chumps  and  clay  between  the  cracks  are  filled, 

With  clapboards  long  he  covers  o'er  the  roof; 

One  room,  one  door,  one  window  is  enough 

To  serve  the  present  time,  till  he  can  rear 

A  future  mansion,  land  for  tillage  clear. 

Think  not  too  meanly  of  his  scanty  dome, 

His  wild,  unpolished,  and  romantic  home  ! 

Ye,  who  are  not  thus  used,  without  a  sigh, 

On  simple  nature  solely  to  rely ; 

For  this  is  nature's  child,  creation's  lord, 

And  nature's  bounties  crown  his  frugal  board. 

Soon  flocks  and  herds  his  pastures  wide  adorn, 

His  spacious  fields  are  covered  o'er  with  corn. 

To  speak  like  holy  writ,  they  shout  for  joy, 

They  join  in  worship,  songs  of  praise  employ, 

To  their  great  Maker,  who  with  goodness  crowns 

The  circling  years  that  roll.     Rejoice  the  downs, 

On  every  side  the  little  groves  and  hills, 

The  mighty  river,  and  the  purling  rills, 

Falling  from  high,  or  murmuring  under  ground, 

The  landscape  fair  below  the  sky  profound. 

Each  living  creature,  housed  in  earth  or  air, 

And  all  that  with  the  beauteous  can  compare, 

That  utter  sounds  uncouth,  or  speak  in  sottg, 

Forever  their  diurnal  notes  prolong  ; 

AJ1  speak  a  harmony,  a  rapture  here, 

Send  tfn  a  note  which,  to  the  listening  ear 


SCfeNES   IN   THE    WEST.  2&7 

Of  him  whose  heart  is  full  of  nature's  love, 

Is  heavenly  music  like  to  that  above  ; 

That  thrilling  on  his  soul  without  alloy, 

Fills  his  most  grateful  heart  with  floods  of  joy. 

Toil,  recreation,  peace,  his  life  adorn, 

Sweet  is  his  hour  of  rest,  and  sweet  his  morn. 

Oft  he  awakes  the  huntsman's  horn  to  hear — 

The  chase  is  up,  a  fox,  a  wolf,  a  deer ! 

Swift  bounding  o'er  the  lawn,  through  wood  and  dale, 

Swiftly  the  hounds  pursue  and  scent  the  gale. 

His  bounding  courser  bears  him  swift  along  ; 

Wolves,  dogs,  and  huntsmen,  steeds,  together  throng  ; 

A  widening  circle  formed  ten  leagues  around, 

And  driving  inward  to  the  centre  ground  ; 

They  meet,  and  in  the  narrow  ring  exposed, 

A  score  of  prairie-wolves  are  oft  enclosed. 

Then  here  is  sport,  and  glee,  and  high  exploit 

Performed  by  curs,  and  hounds,  dragoons  adroit, 

And  bounding  coursers  swiftest  in  the  chase ; 

Not  like  Eumelus,  of  ethereal  race, 

Yet  equal,  we  doubt  not,  in  strength  and  force, 

To  waft  their  riders  foremost  in  the  course. 

Autumnal  eve,  when  shines  the  silver  moon, 

The  hunter  seeks  to  find  the  fatted  'coon. 


XXXI. 

But,  should  there  come  a  snow  so  deep, 

The  nimble  deer  can't  run, 
Then,  girding  on  his  snowy  shoe, 

The  huntsman  with  his  gun, 


208  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Walks  all  unsinking  careless  on 

The  summits  of  the  heaps, 
And  overtakes,  and  shoots  him  down, 

While  struggling  in  the  deeps. 

. 

XXXII. 

A  hunt  of  this  kind,  long  to  be  remembered, 
Near  Danville's  pleasant  village,  years  ago, 
Took  place  in  populous  county  of  Vermilion. 
It  would  be  well,  perhaps,  and  to  his  liking, 
To  give  the  reader  smattering  of  the  climate, 
This  favored  season  of  the  years  that  roll  ; 
So  pleasant  was  the  weather  all  that  fall, 
Exceeding  fair  up  to  this  time  convivial, 
E'en  to  the  new  year's  day,  no  wintry  blasts, 
That  devotees  of  pleasure,  in  their  glee, 
Upon  that  day  foot-races  barefoot  run. 

XXXIII. 

Preparing  all  things  proper  for  this  hunt, 

A  tall  tree  in  the  adjoining  forest  felled, 

Brought  forth,  and  set  it  up  upon  a  height. 

In  middle  of  the  prairie,  raised  a  flag, 

For  many  miles  around  which  could  be  seen. 

Then  men,  some  mounted,  some  on  foot,  with  dogs, 

Begin,  from  all  sides  round,  to  drive  the  wood, 

Joining  the  prairie,  moving  towards  the  flag, 

Until  together  in  the  centre  meet. 

In  narrow  ring  thus  formed,  enclosed,  that  day, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  269 

Wolves  twenty-seven,  some  wild-cats,  and  some  deer. 

Few  had  the  fortune  good  to  make  escape. 

Were  present  here,  of  the  pursuing  host, 

On  this  occasion,  'bove  two  hundred  dogs, 

A  hundred  foot,  two  hundred  three-score  steedsmen ; 

For  'twas  a  time  of  great  hilarity. 

Great  was  th'  ambition  and  exertions  much, 

Of  hounds  and  curs,  who  well  performed  their  task, 

By  routing,  chasing,  in  the  proper  course, 

Whate'er  wild  animals  came  into  their  way, 

Until  they'd  driven  them  out  upon  the  prairie, 

In  open  sight.     The  huntsmen  and  dragoons 

In  swift  pursuit  then  joined,  and  being  fresh 

On  track,  took  easy  lead  of  curs  and  hounds. 

The  buoyancy,  exhilarating  spirits 

Of  those  engaged,  surprising  truly  was. 

Victorious  o'er  the  wolves,  the  steedsman  rode, 

Borne  swiftly  by  his  bounding  courser  on, 

While  he,  loud  neighing,  in  a  glee  of  triumph, 

Assails  them  oft  with  open  mouth  advanced, 

Or  furious  tramples  them  beneath  his  feet. 

Follows  the  feast — when,  seated  round  the  place 

Of  rendezvous,  beneath  the  liberty-pole, 

The  parson's  blessing  is  solicited  ; 

Then,  with  good  appetites  and  jovial  hearts, 

Begin  they  to  partake  what  their  good  wives  prepared ; 

Their  custards,  venison,  shortened  cakes, 
Kggs,  hams,  and  tarts,  and  seasoned  steaks ; 
Their  sweetmeats,  puddings,  choice  nick-nacks, 
Cheese,  chickens,  jolcs,  and  apple-jacks  ; 
23* 


270  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 

Their  mince  and  maccaroni  pies, 
Fruit,  pound,  and  cakes  that  spongy  rise  ; 
Baked  pigs,  roast  turkeys,  cheerful  song, 
God  grant  they  may  enjoy  the  blessing  long  ! 

XXXIV. 

In  eastern  countries,  there  are  many  persons 

Not  well  informed,  or  not  informed  at  all, 

Correctly,  on  the  products  of  the  soil, 

And  state  of  things  as  here  exist  far  West, 

Or  well-authenticated  statements  don't  believe  ; 

Regarding  them  extravagantly  false  ; 

Esteeming  immigrants  to  this  fair  region 

But  reckless  ramblers,  wild,  infatuate, 

Entirely  from  the  human  world  gone  out, 

Of  people  civilized,  to  dwell  among 

Mere  savages,  or  but  the  least  remove. 

These  sentiments  were  common,  years  gone  by, 

And  still  prevail  to  limited  extent. 

Hence,  certain  stories  strange  they  used  to  tell,  . 

In  high  derision  of  this  country's  soil, 

And  growth  of  plants  ;  and  thus  would  they  begin 

This  is  a  wondrous  country,  sure  ! 
The  land  is  rich,  the  water  pure. 
Here  bread  spontaneous  grows  on  trees, 
And  waffles  flutter  in  the  breeze, 
Well  buttered,  sweetened,  fresh  and  fair* 
And  fragrant  balms  perfume  the  air. 
Here  Ceres  rears  her  corn  as  tall 
As  any  pine  or  Chinese  wall ; 


i.\    Tilt    WEST.  271 


And  those  who  gather  it,  must  walk 
High  ladders,  made  to  climb  the  stalk. 
Wild  hogs  quite  plenty  here,  they  say, 
In  woods  and  wilds  along  highway ; 
The  sweetest  and  the  fattest  pork, 
Stuck  in  their  backs  a  knife  and  fork. 
Already  in  good  style  are  baked, 
With  sauce  and  spices  stuffed  and  caked ; 
Inviting  hearers,  as  they  run, 
Polite  as  any  mother's  son, 
To  come  and  dine,  partake  the  feast, 
And  count  it  favors  none  the  least. 
And  here  are  plenteous  'coons,  they  say, 
That  walk  the  earth  in  evening  gray ; 
The  way  they  snare  them  is  quite  winning, 
Bring  them  down  from  trees  by  grinning. 
The  best  of  sugar  pours  from  trees, 
Like  sweetest  wine  upon  the  lees  ; 
Each  hollow  oak  is  full  of  honey, 
And  here  there  is  no  want  of  money. 
And  as  to  prairie-land  so  clear, 
'Tis  what  they  cannot  make  appear  ; 
We  don't  believe  such  tales  as  these, 
More  than  we  do  the  moon  green  cheese. 

XXXV. 

In  view  that  throw  we  may  some  further  light 
Upon  this  country's  early  history, 
When  first  by  whites  'twas  occupied,  so  far 
As  titles  are  concerned,  to  lands  ere  sold 


272 


BLACK    HAWK,  AND 


By  Congress  to  the  men  who  settled  there, 
We'll  give  the  reader  an  account  succinct 
Of  a  claim-trial  that  took  place  that  time, 
In  then  the  infant  village  of  Milwaukee. 
Proper  to  state,  by  way  of  preface,  here, 

That  Mr.  M ,  presiding  o'er  the  trial, 

;  '  Was,  and  is  still,  the  District  Court's  first  judge  ; 
And  has  for  several  years  discharged  the  duties 
Of  office  with  ability  and  honor. 
The  advocates  are  men  of  high  repute, 
Still  here  residing  ;  have  at  different  times 
Been  chosen  of  the  Legislature  members  ; 
By  fellow-citizens  respected  much. 

S D ,  defendant,  is  an  honest  farmer, 

To  his  profession  does  abundant  honor — 

The  credit  of  his  townsmen  well  enjoys 

And  we  would  state,  by  way  of  palliation, 

In  his  behalf,  that  claimants  on  their  lands, 

To  have  their  claims  respected,  and  prevent 

Others  from  seizing  them,  have  made  claim-laws, 

Requiring  persons  occupying  thus, 

To  be  in  full  possession  of  the  land, 

To  make  improvements  certain  in  amount ; 

Building  a  cabin,  clearing,  cultivating 

Acres  a  stated  number,  farmer-like, 

Proportioned  to  the  size  of  tract  so  claimed  : 

Binding  themselves  collective  to  defend 

Each  other  from  encroachments  that  might  come. 

The  plaintiff,  it  is  true,  improvements  made, 

Sufficient  in  amount  him  to  entitle, 

Perhaps,  to  the  protection  of  his  class  ; 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  273 


But  he  had  neither  made  them  to  accord 
With  rules  specific  of  the  law  exact, 
Nor  really  settled  there  upon  the  land, 
Either  in  person,  or  by  substitute. 


XXXVI. 

Therefore,  S D ,  though  not  excusable 

Wholly,  for  entering  this  disputed  tract, 

Especially,  as  the  plaintiff  and  first  claimant 

Was  in  the  country,  near  at  hand,  and  ready 

The  title  to  contest,  and  rights  assert ; 

Yet,  circumstances  of  the  case  were  such, 

As  in  degree  to  justify  his  course 

In  settling  on  this  claim  identical. 

He  deemed  it  would  confirm  him  in  the  right, 

His  title  be  acknowledged  paramount 

To  that  of  claimant  first,  whose  title  there 

Was  merely  nominal,  in  his  opinion. 

He  hoped  to  be  sustained  by  claimants,  bound 

By  solemn  obligations  to  protect 

Those  of  their  class,  in  any  righteous  cause  ; 

But  otherwise  the  popular  voice  declared. 

Consulting  not  opinions,  as  was  need, 

Especially  in  community  like  this, 

Where  great  asperities  need  softening  down, 

Not  weighing  causes  and  effects  aright, 

S D possession  took,  a  cabin  built  thereon, 

And  into  it  his  rising  family  moved, 
The  culture  of  the  rugged  soil  began, 
By  clearing,  fencing,  raising  there  a  crop. 


274  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

But,  notwithstanding,  he  was  dispossessed 
By  force,  and  disinherited  of  all, 
By  the  first  claimants  ;  bachelors  were  they. 
He  took  possession  soon  a  second  time, 
Deeming  his  right  still  feasible  ;  then  'twas, 
The  litigation  next  described  took  place. 


XXXVII. 

Delightful  village  of  Milwaukee ! 
I  went  in  November  your  beauties  to  see  ; 
Leaving  my  home,  and  the  land  of  my  tillage, 
To  visit  the  early  and  new-founded  village. 
I  entered  your  courts,  the  jury  I  saw, 
And  all  your  attorneys,  and  counsellors  at  law. 
The  learned  judge,  enthroned,  looked  sedate  and  compla 
cent; 

The  sages  of  law  sat  smiling  adjacent.  ^ 

It  seemed  a  time  when  joy,  in  profusion, 
Pervaded  the  council,  and  far  off  collusion. 

They  called  up  the  case  of  S D and  Peters  ; 

Witnesses,  too,  as  thick  as  mosquitos. 
After  the  evidence  had  gone  on  apace, 
The  lawyers  got  up  to  argue  the  case. 

W ,  the  pertest  of  these,  led  the  van, 

Acknowledged  by  all  as  an  eloquent  man. 
He   says,  this  is  trespass  by  common  law ; 
As  clear  a  case  as  ever  I  saw  ; 
Also,  by  statute  of  this  territory, 
And  this  is  the  way  to  tell  the  story. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  275 

Kind  gentlemen,  too,  'tis  quite  unreasonable, 

That  these  poor  bachelors  thus,  unseasonable, 

Should  rudely  be  stripp'd  of  their  rights  and  their  lives, 

Merely  because  they  have  got  them  no  wives. 

On  relevant  topics  his  subject  had  length, 

His  reasons  supported  by  wisdom  and  strength ; 

Showed  the  first  claimant's  title  most  sure  and  most  clearly, 

And  proved,  beyond  doubt,  he  had  paid  for  it  dearly. 

S D ,  the  defendant,  was  rowed  up  Salt  river, 

The  plaintiff  he  put  in  possession  forever. 

y  A ,  generous,  saw  this,  and  beheld  it  with  grief, 

Arose  in  his  might  for  defendant's  relief. 
A  well-timed  intrusion  it  certainly  was, 

Poor  D needed  sadly  such  prop  to  his  cause. 

Wholly  unlike  treacherous  Arnold  of  old, 
Who  basely  betrayed  his  country  for  gold, 
So  skilful  in  law,  and  trusty  was  he, 
The  judge  declared  he  honored  should  be — 
He,  therefore,  made  him  a  State  attorney, 
And,  of  this  office,  he  proved  himself  worthy. 
Gentlemen,  he  says,  these  lawyers  have  taken 
A  course,  which  by  all  should  be  forsaken  ; 
Whilst  one,  advocating,  stands  up,  as  appears, 
The  other  sits  by,  shedding  crocodile  tears, 
For  bachelors  old,  who  deserve  not  a  claim, 
Encumbering  the  ground,  and  but  settlers  in  name  : 
While  an  actual  settler,  as  all  you  agree, 
With  his  lady  and  children,  my  client  must  be. 
You  would  vacate  the  land,  and  turn  out  of  door 
The  industrious  farmer,  because  he  is  poor ; 


KWvV. 


£76  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

And  shut  against  him  all  bowels  of  compassion, 
And  swallow  the  camel  to  follow  the  fashion. 
This  speaker  gave  them  such  going  over, 
It  made  the  lawyers  look  quite  sober ; 
We  thought  they  could  not  answer  amain, 
Having  two  to  one,  they  rallied  again. 
Soon  after  this  noble  speech  was  ended, 
And  from  the  rostrum  he  descended, 
As  I  was  penning  this  down,  as  may  be, 
He  came  and  addressed  himself  thus  to  me  : 
To  write  this  down  you  are  taking  much  pains, 
But  for  sale,  now,  have  you  got  any  claims  ? 
No,  says  I,  my  claiming  business  is  done, 
Whilst  yours,  it  appears,  is  just  now  begun. 
For,  after  the  claims  with  me  are  at  rest, 
You  counsellors  have  the  title  to  test ; 
And,  when  before  you  the  action  is  brought. 
You'll  confirm  such  titles  as  I  have  bought. 
When  I  hunted  claims,  I  went  far  and  near, 
Resolved  from  all  others  to  keep  myself  clear ; 
And  if,  through  mistake,  I  jumped  a  man's  claim, 
As  soon  as  I  knew  it,  I  jumped  off  again. 
K          'Twas  then  that  the  gallant  T-^ —  arose,       ,/ 
These  adverse  proceedings  firm  to  oppose ; 
With  boldness  and  much  gesticulation, 
Draws  from  the  audience  their  high  admiration  ; 
Extends  his  arms  aloft  with  grace  and  thumps, 
Puts  all  his  dire  opposers  to  their  trumps — 
By  powerful  words,  with  reason  much  imbued, 
Proved  headstrong  D a  reckless  course  pursued. 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  277 

Such  eloquence,  and  long,  with  po'werful  sway, 

Bore  clown  all  opposition,  won  the  day. 

The  learned  judge  did  then  address  the  jury, 

And  thus,  to  them,  he  mildly  told  the  story  : — • 

This  is  a  case  of  trespass,  vi  et  armis, 

And  you,  the  jury,  must  try  what  the  harm  is. 

And  if  you  find  that  these  poor  bachelors  grand, 

Had  peaceable  possession  of  this  land, 

And  had  complied  with  the  known  customs  good, 

That  were  adopted  in  their  neighborhood  ; 

And  if  you  find  the  plaintiffs  both  int'rested 

In  the  said  claim,  which  now  is  to  be  tested, 

You  must,  indeed,  a  verdict  for  them  find  ; 

This  is  the  law  in  cases  of  this  kind. 

The  jury,  ever  faithful  to  their  trust, 

Soon  for  the  plaintiff  brought  a  verdict  just, 

Against  poor  D ;   for  he  the  case  had  lost, 

Sixpence  the  damage,  sixty  dollars  cost. 

XXXVIII. 

Our  detail  of  the  army  in  progression, 
And  operations  martial  on  their  part, 
'Twill  now  be  necessary  to  resume, 
And  unto  Black  Hawk's  sad  retreat  return. 
Hopeful  to  gain  the  Mississippi  ere 
O'erta'en  by  Atkinson  in  swift  pursuit. 
For  here  illustrious  Dodge,  of  sober  years, 
Bears  credence  first  among  the  pioneers  ; 
Before  the  rest  his  glory  was  enhancing, 
While  with  more  rapid  strides  he  was  advancing. 
24 


278  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

Whether  it  was  that  the  commanding  general 

Reposed  in  Dodge  a  greater  confidence, 

Such  risk  and  task  important  to  perform, 

We  know  not ;  but  are  sure  he  was  commissioned 

To  go  before  the  army  in  pursuit. 

On  the  fourth  night  since  they  Helena  left, 

Unto  a  late  encampment  of  the  foe 

They  came  ;  there  found  an  aged  Indian  sick, 

Abandoned  by  his  people  to  his  fate. 

For  'tis,  among  some  Indian  tribes,  a  custom, 

Travelling  from  place  to  place,  when  on  removing, 

To  leave  behind  the  aged  and  infirm, 

Provisions  furnishing  a  somewhat  stock, 

Which  to  consume  and  die.     But,  in  this  case, 

They  no  such  stock  did  leave,  for  reason  plain, 

That  they  had  none  to  leave  ;  none  for  themselves. 

They  deemed,  no  doubt,  that  he  would  be  discovered 

By  his  pursuers,  and  be  saved  from  death, 

Lingering,  protracted,  from  a  long  starvation, 

By  the  more  welcome  bullets  of  his  foes. 

This  Indian  old  the  army  did  inform, 

Black  Hawk  and  all  his  train  had  that  day  gone 

To  a  place  called  Bad  Axe,  on  the  Mississippi, 

To  cross  next  morn,  on  August's  second  day, 

XXXIX. 

Meanwhile,  that  day  the  -Indians  reached  the  river, 
Striking  it  forty  miles  'bove  Prairie  du  Chien, 
Some  having  died  of  hunger  and  fatigue.      , 
Black  Hawk  immediately  essayed  to  cross  ; 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  279 

Prevented  by  calamitous  mishap. 

For  here,  the  steamer  Warrior  he  encountered  ; 

A  white  flag  raised,  the  truce  to  supplicate, 

And  sue  for  peace  in  his  distress  extreme. 

To  the  captain  called,  to  send  his  boat  on  shore, 

That  he  might  there  surrender  up  himself, 

To  save  his  squaws  and  children  from  the  death, 

And  swift  destruction  hanging  over  them. 

Quite  certain  'tis,  that  he  the  peace  desired, 

On  any  terms,  to  save  the  remnant  left. 

If  thirst  of  blood  had  been  rapacious  less, 

And  more  respect  indulged  for  flag  of  truce, 

Held  sacred  'mong  all  nations  of  the  earth, 

Farther  destruction  of  the  lives  of  men 

Might  well  been  spared,  the  nation's  honor  saved 

From  reckless  violation  of  their  faith, 

And  ruthless  cruelty  in  this  affair. 

But  no  respect  was  shown  ;  charged  with  decoy, 

The  dogs  of  war  let  loose  without  delay, 

Swept  scores  of  that  unhappy  race  away. 


XL. 

The  steeds  all  wearied  out,  or  nearly  so, 
By  marches  forced,  the  foe  to  overtake, 
7Mid  weather  sultry,  overcoming  heat, 
The  soldiers  much  exhausted  with  fatigue, 
The  general  ordered  that  the  army  halt, 
In  order  hastily  to  refresh  themselves 
By  food,  and  some  few  hours'  repose,  before 
They  entered  into  battle,  that  they  might 


280  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

The  better  be  prepared  for  sanguine  fray ; 
That  on  next  day,  at  second  hour  of  morn, 
Long  ere  the  rosy  dawn  should  streak  the  East, 
They  all  be  ready  for  their  line  of  march, 
O'er  those  three  leagues  that  led  to  fields  of  conquesl 
That  hour,  precise,  the  bugles  sounded  loud, 
Through  all  the  camping-ground,  the  notes  of  war, 
Their  heroes  calling  to  the  field  of  fight. 
The  following  was  the  order  of  the  battle  : 
Dodge,  with  his  squadron  of  the  mining  troops, 
Was  honored  with  a  place  in  the  front  rank. 
The  regular  soldiers,  infantry,  came  next, 
Under  their  General  Taylor's  high  command, 
He  who  immortal  honors  won  in  Mexic'  land. 
And  next  him,  General  Henry's  brigade  followed  • 
To  this  succeeded  General  Alexander's  ; 
And  next,  and  last,  came  General  Posey's  on, 
Whose  band  the  rear-guard  of  the  army  formed. 


XLI. 

A  forlorn  hope,  select,  and  led  by  Dodge, 
Were  sent,  a  chosen  score,  their  foe  to  spy; 
A  service  perilous  to  execute. 
Different  divisions  of  the  army  thus 
Disposed  of,  every  preparation  made 
Needful,  the  bands  elate  their  march  begin. 
Had  not  far  gone,  ere  one  of  the  forlorn 
Returned  with  tidings  that  the  foe  were  near ; 
Having  discovered  his  out  picket-guard. 
This  told  he  to  the  general  of  the  host  ; 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  281 

From  him  to  all  subordinates  was  it  sent. 

'Twas  followed  by  accelerated  march  ; 

Firing  in  little  time  commenced  in  front. 

The  Indians,  from  one  rising  ground  to  next, 

From  time  to  time  were  driven,  still  keeping  up 

A  constant  fire,  on  every  eminence, 

O'er  which  they  knew  their  foes  obliged  to  pass. 

Still,  being  routed  from  their  hiding-places, 

At  length  sought  safety  in  a  body  main, 

Retreating  to  the  river  bottom,  where 

They  joined  in  one  great  effort  to  defend 

Themselves  and  families,  or  in  battle  die. 

Here  Atkinson  resolved  to  take  each  step 

Deemed  needful,  to  prevent  the  foe's  escape, 

Or  down  or  up  the  river  ;  prudently 

Ordered  the  generals  Alexander,  Posey, 

To  form  the  army's  right  wing,  and  move  down. 

Directed  Henry  and  brigade  to  form 

The  left,  and  march  along  the  Indians'  trail, 

Which  lay  to  south,  so  near  the  river's  bank, 

As  to  prevent  a  passage  out  that  way. 

Then  must  the  infantry,  by  Taylor  led, 

And  Dodge's  troops,  the  front  and  centre  form. 

All  of  this  army,  regular  troops  except, 

Were  mounted  volunteers,  militia-men. 


XLII. 

The  army  marshalled  thus,  in  dread  array, 
The  almost  perpendicular  bluffs  descend, 
Until  the  river's  bottom-lands  they  reach, 
24* 


282  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

A  valley-forest,  clad  with  heavy  growth 

Of  various  ornamental  trees  ;  with  shrubs, 

Much  undergrowth,  thick,  matted  grass,  and  tall ; 

Of  fallen  timber,  sloughs,  ravines,  quite  full ; 

So  plentifully  sprinkled  as  t'  afford 

The  foe  the  means  a  strong  defence  to  make 

A  heavy  fire  commenced,  which  was  returned 

By  th'  Indians  with  much  spirit.     Then  sank  they, 

And  disappeared  behind  the  fallen  trees, 

Till  they  could  load  ;  when  they  again  rose  up, 

Discharged  their  pieces,  raised  a  hideous  yell. 

XLIII. 

Down  tomahawk  and  rifle  sank, 
Like  fallen  warrior's  deadly  clank  ; 
Down  sunk  the  Indian  where  he  stood, 
And  disappeared  among  the  wood, 
'Mid  herbage,  willows,  and  thick  grass : 
As  though  the  earth,  to  let  him  pass, 
Had  ope'd  her  mouth  as  deep  within, 
As  when  she  took  Abiram  in. 
Here  lay  concealed  those  wary  sons, 
Till  they  could  safely  charge  their  guns 
But  soon  was  changed  their  wildest  yell, 
To  loud  lament  o'er  those  that  fell. 


XLIV. 

Then  hand  to  hand  the  fight  becoming  general, 

The  pale-faced  troops  rushed  through  the  dark  defies, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  283 

Ravines,  and  strong-holds  of  the  hidden  foe, 

Driving  them  out  from  all  their  hiding-places, 

Slew  all  that  came  in  their  destructive  way. 

During  this  time,  Posey,  and  Alexander, 

With  their  Brigades  were  marching  down  the  river, 

With  a  part  of  Black  Hawk's  band  fell  in  high  up, 

Routed,  and  slew  of  them  the  greater  part. 

Sometimes,  in  their  advance,  would  cross  an  Indian 

Lying  in  ambuscade  among  thick  brush, 

Who  had  not  well  obeyed  his  chieftain's  voice, 

In  his  retreat ;  whereby  alone  was  left. 

Oft  startled  thus,  by  almost  treading  on 

The  brawny  frames  of  such  stretched  on  the  ground  ; 

Sometimes  amid  tall  weeds  or  osiers  lying, 

Like  serpents  in  the  grass,  not  venturing  flight, 

Nor  yet  to  fire  their  guns,  lest  it  expose  them 

To  those  who  showed  no  mercy  to  a  foe. 

They  stirred  not,  but  remained  and  held  their  breath, 

Hoping  discovery  none,  thereby  securing  death. 


XLV 

The  part  which  Black  Hawk  acted  in  this  battle, 

As  soldier,  patriot,  soul  magnanimous, 

Was  highly  to  the  credit  of  his  heart, 

And  in  good  keeping  with  his  high  career^— 

Consistent  with  his  lofty  mind  and  aim. 

He  seemed,  as  ever  he  had  been,  impressed, 

Duly,  with  this  absorbing  sentiment — 

That  still  his  cause  was  just,  pretensions  good  ; 

That,  though  he'd  failed  in  its  accomplishment, 


284  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

Which  was  to  reinstate  his  people  in 

Their  ancient  territory  ;  what  they'd  lost 

Recover,  and  to  which  they  had  a  right, 

As  he  believed,  by  laws  of  Deity  ; 

Yet,  he  still  felt  an  inward  consciousness 

That  he  his  duty  had  discharged  full  well 

Unto  his  nation.     Buoyed  up  by  this, 

Determined  still  to  do  what  yet  remained 

Within  his  power,  in  saving  their  retreat, 

Retrieving  their  condition  ruinous  ; 

Oft  much  depressed  in  mind  in  this  sad  flight 

He  seemed,  for  fear  of  its  results  disastrous. 

But  purely  national  was  his  concern, 

Not  caring  for  himself,  but  for  the  rest ; 

While  o'er  the  ruins  of  his  country  wept. 

Yet  sorrowed  not  like  one  who'd  lost  his  hope, 

And  with  it  all  the  will  and  power  to  work. 

Something  he  still  could  do — that  something  was, 

To  put  forth  all  his  energies  sublime, 

And  firmness,  to  conduct  a  safe  retreat. 

And  this  he  did.     All  duties  he  discharged 

Of  a  good  general — done  what  man  could  do, 

In  such  a  desperate,  hopeless  cause  forlorn. 

All  quarters  were  denied  him  by  his  foe, 

And  left  him  no  resource  but  in  himself. 

Going  from  group  to  group  of  his  dejected 

Followers,  reminding  them  the  great  events 

Which  on  th'  issue  of  this  battle  hung  ; 

All  being  at  stake,  and  their  salvation  resting 

Upon  their  valor  and  success  ;  much  now 

Exhorting  to  be  valiant  in  defence 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST. 

Of  wives  and  children  dear ;  endeavoring  hard, 

At  risk  of  life,  the  enemy  to  repulse 

From  river's  bank,  and  force  a  passage  o'er 

The  Mississippi  to  its  western  shore, 

Their  last  grand  barrier  'gainst  a  safe  retreat. 

The  motives  which  inspired  this  generous  savage, 

Posterity  will  approve  and  venerate. 

Unto  the  brave,  high-souled,  adventurous  spirits 

Of  earth,  it  will  eternally  endear  him. 

What  general  on  this  mortal  shore, 
In  such  a  strait,  accomplished  more  ? 
Not  Buonaparte,  in  that  sad  hour 
Of  his  retreat  from  British  power ! 
Nor  Wellington,  who  passed  for  nought, 
When  the  first  battle  lost  he  fought ! 
And  sure  they  had  no  better  cause, 
Than  fight  for  country,  kindred,  laws ! 

XLVI. 

Finally  routed  from  all  place  of  refuge, 
Surrounded  on  all  sides,  and  driven  like  flock 
Of  timid  sheep  from  wolves,  in  horror  flying 
To  th'  outer  verge  of  Mississippi's  bank, 
Evil,  perceived  they,  had  befallen  them  ; 
For,  oh  !  to  cross  so  wide  and  deep  a  river 
So  rapid  in  its  current,  in  full  view 
Of  a  victorious,  unrelenting  foe, 
Both  eager  in  pursuit  and  close  in  rear, 
Under  most  favorable  circumstances,  must, 


,85  ^ 


280  SLACK   HAWK,    AND 

Could  not  but  be  disastrous  in  extreme  ; 
Much  more  so  must  it  prove  to  them,  who  now 
Were  unprovided  with  the  needful  barks 
To  cross  that  awful  gulf,  impassable, 
Barrier  tremendous,  hindering  their  escape  ! 
Their  minds  were  filled  with  awful  apprehensions 
Of  consequences  fearful  that  would  follow. 
Dreadful  alternative  !  to  be  thus  forced 
To  plunge  the  river  headlong,  and  expose 
Themselves  to  danger  imminent  of  drowning, 
Or  fall  by  cruel  hands  upon  its  banks  ! 
Thus  circumstanced,  with  dangers  such  before, 
Destruction  worse  behind,  they  lingering  stood 
Upon  the  outer  bank  of  Mississippi's  flood  ! 

XL  VII. 

The  dread  appearance  thereof,  and  the  thoughts 

Of  being  compelled  to  cn7ss  it,  without  bark 

Or  raft  to  buoy  them  up  above  the  waves, 

Astounded  them  with  an  amazement  sore, 

Involuntary  forced  them  back  with  horror  ; 

They  turned  away,  and  stood  aghast  in  view 

Of  such  a  mighty  effort  so  revolting ; 

But  worse  destruction  from  behind  pursuing, 

Impelled  them  onward,  and  their  minds  strung  up 

To  deeds  of  mighty  daring.     Braving  all, 

In  the  deep  waters,  headlong,  straight  they  plunged, 

Where  many  drowned  ;  others,  pursued  too  closely, 

Strove  t'  evade  the  leaden  death  by  diving — 

But  all  in  vain  ;  for  our  sharp  riflemen, 


SCENES    IN   THE    WEST.  287 

Who  could,  from  top  of  tallest  tree  there  stood, 

Pick  out,  perchance,  a  squirrel's  eye,  or  pierce 

The  head  of  duck,  far  off,  in  re-appearing 

Above  the  water's  surface,  found  it  easy 

In  diving  Indian's  head  a  ball  to  lodge. 

The  women,  children,  and  of  warriors  part, 

Mounted  on  ponies,  in  their  haste  plunged  in. 

The  time,  the  least  delay  permitted  not ; 

The  ponies  with  their  freight  succeeded  well, 

And  gained  the  western  shore,  a  few  except. 

That  were  so  overladen  with  the  living, 

Besides  to  bridles,  manes,  what  children  clung, 

That  under  weight  of  such  a  burden  sunk ; 

Could  not  the  current  stem  ;  with  all  their  load 

In  waters  deep  were  drowned,  the  stream  bore  down. 

The  shattered  remnants  of  their  bands  succeeded 

In  gaining  Mississippi's  western  shore. 

No  danger  from  their  foes  of  being  pursued, 

Till  boats  could  build,  or  otherwise  obtain. 

XLVIII. 

So  great,  indeed,  was  their  discomfiture, 
All  furthermore  pursuit  was  needless  deemed. 
Three  hours  the  raging  of  the  battle  held — 
Of  women,  children,  prisoners  taken  fifty  ; 
Of  warriors,  none — no  man  surrendered  there. 
As  they  no  quarters  sought,  or  sought  in  vain, 
None  they  received,  but  were  in  battle  slain. 
Their  loss  in  numbers  still  remains  unknown, 
Though  near  a  score  of  anxious  years  have  flown. 


288  BLACK    HAWK,   AND 

XLIX 

O,  noble  Mississippi !  father  flood  ! 

They  tinge  thy  peaceful  waters  with  their  blood ! 

Yet  thou  roll'st  on  majestic  as  before, 

When  these,  and  those  pursuing,  are  no  more. 

Yea,  future  nations  here  may  rise  and  fall, 

Yet  wilt  thou  lift  thy  head,  and  look  unchanged  on  all ! 

The  red  man  of  the  wood,  like  morning  dew, 

Has  disappeared,  except  a  harmless  few  ; 

Where  once  his  curling  wigwam's  smoke  appeared, 

Farms  beautiful,  and  little  towns  are  reared  ; 

And  where  in  war-dance  played  by  stream  or  pool, 

Oft  heard  the  cheerful  hum  of  village  school. 

His  light  canoe  on  rivers  way  has  given, 

To  boats  majestic,  that  by  steam  are  driven. 

The  noble  lakes,  long  where  he  lived  seclude, 

And  used  to  bathe  his  limbs  in  solitude, 

Are  covered  o'er  with  numerous  trading  ships, 

That  daily  spread  their  sails,  perform  their  trips. 

The  happy  people  here  their  fears  release  ; 

Here  grows  and  blooms  the  tree  of  sacred  peace  ; 

The  earth  no  longer  drinks  the  blood  of  slain ; 

That  it  may  drink  no  more,  God  say  amen ! 


The  formidable  train  of  Black  Hawk,  now 
No  longer  as  an  army  did  exist ; 
For,  so  completely  panic-struck  were  they 
Who  yet  remained,  and  so  confounded  with 


SCENES   IN    THE    WEST. 

The  terrors  of  so  dreadful  a  defeat, 

Became  as  dead  men,  having  no  more  strength, 

Courage,  or  resolution  to  resist ; 

But,  scattered  o'er  a  length  of  way  in  flight, 

Without  to  discipline  the  least  regard. 

Black  Hawk's  attendant,  constant  friend,  the  prophet, 

From  whom  he  counsel  sought,  divine  direction, 

In  case  of  danger  and  of  trial  oft, 

Turning  to  him,  discoursing  thus  began : 

BLACK    HAWK. 

My  brother  most  revered,  and  faithful  guide  ! 
Of  our  late  loss  disastrous,  and  defeat 
Ruinous,  you  told  me  nothing.     Had  you  not, 
By  astrologic  signs,  or  dreams  prophetic, 
Appearance  of  a  heavenly  visitor, 
Or  otherwise,  some  warning  of  this  thing '? 

/  PROPHET. 

Warning,  'tis  true,  I  had  of  this  event 
Direful ;  not  making  known,  did  not  dissent 
From  thee— convinced  this  could  not  make  things  better, 
Would  thee  distress,  and  serve  thy  mind  to  fetter ; 
Vigor  relaxing,  whereby  our  great  doom, 
With  heavier  vengeance  on  us  all  had  come ; 
For,  in  my  dream  the  night  before,  'twas  given 
To  me  to  view,  suspended  high  in  heaven, 
A  mighty  ball  of  fire.     While  this  I  eyed, 
It  fell,  and  brake  in  pieces  by  my  side. 
25 


290  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 

The  many  pieces  turned  to  blazing  stars, 
And  seemed  to  skip  about  like  living  fires 
And  one  by  one  they  turned  exceeding  pale, 
Went  out  with  imitative  sounds  of  wail, 
That  filled  my  soul  with  horror  but  to  hear, 
And  showed  our  nation's  end  and  ruin  near. 
Few,  burning  pale,  did  wander  out  of  sight, 
And  shadowed  forth  a  remnant  saved  by  flight. 

BLACK    HAWK. 

The  warning  we  could  not  forego, 

As  by  experience  sad  we  know  ; 

Yet  let  us  still  by  faith  inquire, 

And  ask  of  our  Almighty  Sire, 

The  signs  our  future  course  may  show, 

And  what  we  do,  and  where  we  go. 

But  first  we'll  make  a  sacrifice 

Of  all  we  do  most  dearly  prize — 

Cast  our  tobacco  in  the  fire, 

And  offer  up  our  heart's  desire. 

And  the  Great  Spirit  grant,  this  night, 

A  visioned  omen  fair  and  bright. 

Our  chief  long  watching,  sunk  to  rest, 

Prayer  labored  in  the  prophet's  breast. 

All  night  he  nought  of  slumber  found, 

But  walked  a  solitary  round ; 

Oft  viewed  in  prayer  the  burning  brand, 

And  all  the  heavenly  movements  scanned. 

He  saw,  before  the  dawn  of  day, 

A  sign  which  crossed  the  aerial  way ; 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  291 


And  thence  arose  a  burning  star, 

A  supernatural  sign,  and  far 

Into  the  north  it  made  its  way, 

There  stood,  all  luminous  as  day. 

The  prophet  called  the  weary  chief, 

And  showed  the  sign  of  their  relief. 

He  saw  the  omen,  and  was  glad, 

Unto  the  prophet  thus  he  said  : 

This  is  my  ancient  mother's  star ; 

She  saw  it  through  the  future  far  ; 

Foretold  my  fate  in  ancient  day, 

And  said  a  star  should  mark  my  way, 

And  be  my  guide  in  that  sad  hour 

That  gave  my  foes  the  ruling  power. 

Up  quickly,  prophet !  rein  our  steeds, 

For  I  must  follow  where  it  leads. 

It  shows  the  way  of  safety  true, 

For  this  was  kindly  promised,  too  ; 

If  to  my  foes  I  be  betrayed, 

Their  hands  from  violence  shall  be  stayed. 

Obedient  to  the  mandate  given, 

Obsequious  to  the  will  of  heaven, 

Devoutly  grateful  went  they  forth, 

And  journeyed  onward  towards  the  north. 


U. 

Pursued  by  Winnebagoes,  they,  ere  long, 

Were  taken  prisoners,  brought  to  Prairie  du  Chien, 

By  Decorie,  Chaeter,  chiefs  of  tribes. 

The  off'cers  of  the  fort  were  present  now, 


292  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

And  other  persons  of  distinction,  many. 

The  scene  was  interesting  and  impressive. 

In  deer-skins,  snow-white  dressed,  appeared  the  captives. 

Seated,  his  message  Decorie  delivered, 

And  prisoners  to  the  charge  of  General  Street. 

Then,  Black  Hawk  rose,  the  general  thus  addressed : 

Great  chief!  you've  ta'en  me  prisoner,  with  my  warriors ! 

When  I  could  not  by  Indian  tact  prevail, 

To  fight  you  face  to  face  I  was  constrained. 

I  fought  hard  ;  but  your  guns  were  too  well  aimed ; 

Like  singing-birds  of  air  your  bullets  flew, 

And  whistled  by  our  ears  like  wintry  winds 

My  warriors  fell  around  me  ;  dismal  looked  it. 

I  hoped  assistance  from  some  neighboring  tribes, 

Who  promised  faithful  they  would  join  my  standard. 

Deceivers  told  me  that  our  British  father 

Would  secretly  assist  us  to  regain 

The  lands  we'd  lost — on  that  we  might  depend. 

The  Pottawatamies  could  massacre 

Families  defenceless,  lying  on  Indian  creek ; 

Say  Black  Hawk  done  it ;   but  they  took  good  care 

Not  to  fulfil  their  promises  to  him, 

By  coming  to  his  aid  in  time  of  need. 

I  saw  my  evil  day  at  hand,  and  then 

The  sun  rose  dim  upon  us  on  that  morn  ; 

In  darkness  set ;  looked  like  a  ball  of  fire. 

That  was  the  last  sun  ever  shone  on  Black  Hawk. 

His  heart,  dead  in  his  bosom,  beats  no  more  ! 

His  numbered  suns  are  three-score  years  and  six, 

And  the  infirmities  of  age  are  on  him. 

Now  to  the  white  men  he  has  fallen  a  prisoner  ; 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  293 

They'll  do  with  him  their  wish  ;  but  he  can  stand 
Torture  ;  and  he  of  death  is  not  afraid. 
He  is  no  coward.     Black  Hawk  is  an  Indian — 
He's  nothing  done  an  Indian  to  disgrace  ; 
Nothing  for  which  an  Indian  need  feel  shame. 
He's  for  his  countrymen  and  kindred  fought, 
Against  white  men,  who  came,  year  after  year, 
To  make  his  people  drunk  with  their  fire-water, 
And  rob  them  of  their  furs  and  hunting-grounds. 
He's  satisfied.     He'll  go  to  the  world  of  spirits  ; 
His  father  there  will  meet  him,  and  commend  him. 
Black  Hawk  disdains  to  like  a  woman  cry. 
He  loves  his  wife,  his  children,  and  his  friends ; 
He  cares  not  for  himself.     Farewell,  my  nation  ! 
Black  Hawk  to  save  you  tried.     He  drank  the  blood 
Of  some  o'  the  whites.     He  has  been  taken  prisoner, 
His  plans  are  stopped,  and  he  can  do  no  more  ! 
His  end  is  near  ;t  his  sun  is  going  down  ! 
And  he  will  rise  no  more  !     Farewell  to  Black  Hawk. 


LII. 

Was  taken  to  the  capitolian  city — 
First  words  he  uttered  in  his  interview 
With  the  nation's  chief,  were  these  distinguished  ones, 
Descriptive  of  his  character  sublime  : 
"  You  are  a  man,  and  I,  too,  am  a  man." 
The  whites  much  honored  the  magnanimous  chief, 
Black  Hawk.     The  better  to  convince  him  of 
The  daring  nature  of  his  bold  attempts, 
25* 


294  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 

Transported  him  through  their  great  thoroughfares, 

Their  metropolitan,  capitolian  towns, 

And  cities,  on  a  tour  through  all  the  States ; 

Showed  him  their  multitude,  and  population  dense, 

Their  strong-holds,  forts,  and  towers,  well  fortified, 

Harbors,  and  guns  with  calibres  immense. 

The  aged  chief  beheld  them  with  his  eyes, 

And  listened  with  surprise  to  their  loud  roar; 

Examined  them  minutely  with  his  hands. 

They  showed  him,  also,  their  steamships  of  war, 

Tremendous,  and  their  docks,  and  navy-yards, 

Their  seventy-four's,  with  all  their  triple  decks, 

Mounted  with  long  eighteen's,  and  forty-two's, 

That,  on  the  first  discharge,  cut  masts  away ; 

Their  troops,  militia,  independent  companies 

In  uniform,  with  numerous  land-artillery, 

And  all  their  military  preparations . 

Nothing  in  all  the  land,  of  warlike  nature, 

Or  instrument,  assault  or  of  defence, 

But  they  did  show  it  him,  and  tell  its  use ; 

All  these  the  chief  beheld,  astonished  much. 

He  once  believed  that,  with  ten  thousand  men, 

He,  through  the  States,  could  march  triumphantly ; 

But  now  he  saw  how  futile,  rash,  and  vain 

All  such  attempts.     Filled  with  surprise  and  awe. 


LIU. 

And  now,  unto  the  off'cers  and  chief  men, 
That  thronged  about  him,  in  his  visits  through 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  295 

From  place  to  place,  himself  he  thus  expressed  : 

Brothers  !  you  are  a  great  and  mighty  nation  ; 

Your  people,  in  their  multitude,  are  like 

The  twinkling  stars  in  heaven  we  cannot  count, 

Or  dust  of  earth,  or  grains  of  sand  on  shore. 

All  efforts  to  resist  your  arm  of  power 

Are  utter  vanity,  I'm  well  convinced. 

I'll  go  and  tell  these  things  unto  my  people. 

Your  strength  and  might,  your  navies,  fleets,  and  armies, 

Are  numerous  as  the  leaves  our  forests  yield. 

I  will  instruct  them  in  the  ways  of  wisdom. 

Brothers  !  my  people  few  are  thinly  scattered ; 

They're  very  small,  and  weak  as  helpless  infants. 

'Tis  better  that  they  silently  extinguish 

Their  council-fires,  and  leave  their  native  land, 

And  graves  of  their  forefathers,  quietly, 

For  regions  more  remote  beyond  the  river  ; 

There  be  content  to  dwell,  nor  more  return, 

But  go  e'en  farther  still,  should  you  desire, 

And  ask  no  reason  why  you  this  require. 

'Tis  useless !  prudence  prompts  this  course ;  and  more, 

That  we  in  no  more  bloody  wars  engage, 

To  thwart  the  inclinations  of  your  people. 

It  was  a  lovely  country,  in  our  eyes 

Delightful ;  we  were  loth  to  give  it  up. 

Many  our  people  did  oppose  this  treaty ; 

Had  they  been  counted,  and  the  tears  they  shed, 

I  think  our  lands  would  still  have  been  our  own. 

Brothers !  I  ask  you,  in  my  people's  name, 

Us  to  protect  in  that  new  land  we  go, 


296  BLACK    HAWK,  AND 

'Gainst  other  tribes  upon  whose  borders  forced, 

Encroaching  on,  lest  they  destroy  us  there. 

We  know  our  weakness  and  forlorn  condition, 

Orphans  and  strangers  in  a  distant  land, 

As  o'  er  a  wide  and  thinly-timbered  country 

We're  doomed  to  rove,  our  hunting-grounds  inferior. 

Great  Manitou  hears  what  I  say  ;  will  be 

A  faithful  witness  'tween  you  and  my  people. 

I'm  done.     But  be  you  sure  to  tell  my  words 

To  the  tall  white  chief  of  all  your  pale-faced  brothers, 

Who  occupies  the  splendid  mammoth  wigwam 

In  Washington,  your  capitolian  city. 


LIV. 


Unto  his  people  he  returned,  and  told 

Them  all  that  he  had  seen,  and  all  the  words 

The  white  chief  told  him  ;  what  he'd  said  to  them. 

He  died  in  peace  and  honor  in  his  land  ; 

Was  gathered  to  his  people  ;  over  him 

Great  lamentation  made.     They  buried  him 

On  Des  Moines'  eastern  side,  in  what  was  called 

New  Purchase,  in  Iowa,  with  such  honors 

As  military  heroes  do  receive, 

By  customs  known  'mong  red  men  to  observe. 

They  mourned  in  usual  way,  by  uttering 

Sounds  guttural,  and  prayers  to  Manitou, 

For  his  safe  passage  to  the  land  of  spirits. 

And  here,  him  to  lament,  would  often  come 

His  friends  and  people,  bringing  him  rich  presents, 


SCENES    IN    THE    WEST.  297 

Large  pieces  of  tobacco,  honey-comb, 

Placed  by  him  in  his  tomb,  uttering  wild  cries  of  grief. 

In  prairie  land,  upon  an  eminence, 

Quite  near  his  habitation,  and  the  river, 

The  grave  of  the  renowned  is  situate, 

Of  him,  the  prince  and  hero  of  his  race, 

The  mighty,  and  unconquerable  Black  Hawk ! 

His  grave,  constructed  in  the  Indian  mode, 

Was  wide  and  deep,  and  in  its  western  end, 

And  in  a  sitting  posture,  was  he  placed ; 

His  countenance  looking  towards  the  rising  sun. 

His  staff,  that  Clay  did  give,  was  placed  upright 

Beside  him  ;  on  it  his  right  hand  did  rest. 

By  him  his  garments,  tomahawk,  and  gun ; 

A  splendid  uniform  did  he  have  on, 

Presented  to  him  by  our  nation's  chief. 

His  face  was  painted  red,  and  striped  with  black, 

Just  as  a  youthful  Indian  dandy  paints, 

When  he  goes  wooing ;  thus  conveying  thought 

To  living  red  men,  that  their  great,  high  chief, 

Had  gone  a-courting  to  another  world  ; 

Where,  if  he  should  receive  the  signal  favor 

Of  the  Great  Spirit,  he  would  be  united 

To  a  woman  who  had  passed  these  mortal  bounds, 

There  live  forever  in  green  hunting-grounds, 

Where  deer  and  elk  abound,  and  no  white  man, 

Them  to  molest,  be  suffered  there  to  come. 

Thus  was  he  honored,  according  unto  all 

That  was  revealed  of  him  to  Gentle  Dove, 

His  great  maternal  ancestor,  alone, 


298  BLACK    HAWK,    AND 

The  only  chief  'mong  all  the  families,  tribes, 
And  kindreds  of  his  people,  who  could  claim 
The  high  prerogative  of  everlasting  fame. 


LV. 

Live,  O  illustrious  chieftain  of  the  Sacs  ! 
The  noblest,  last,  and  bravest  of  thy  race ! 
Live  in  the  affections  of  thy  people  ever  ! 
Live  in  the  records,  and  the  songs  of  history ! 
Let  no  man  censure  thee  henceforth,  or  dare 
To  call  in  question  all  thy  motives  pure ! 
Against  thy  character  sublime  say  aught, 
Or  strive  to  rob  thee  of  immortal  fame  ! 
Forever  perished  be  that  hand,  that  name, 
O'er  thee  oblivion's  curtain  fain  would  draw, 
Or  tear  away  from  thy  most  noble  brow 
The  chaplet  wreath  of  thy  resplendent  glory  ! 
Sleep,  warrior  !  to  thy  rest  thou  must  return ; 
As  all  thy  fathers  have,  so  e'en  must  thou  ! 
For  ah  !  to  death,  what  monarch  needs  not  bow  ? 
O  joyful,  unconfined  his  spirit  be  ! 
For  freedom  loved  in  life,  in  death  may  he 
Inherit  largely  it.     Sleep  thou  in  glory's  bed, 
In  quiet,  mighty  chief  of  nation  red  ! 
Alone  had  wisdom  in  thyself  to  know, 
And  magnanimity  to  vindicate  just  claims, 
Thy  people's  rights  ;  appealing  to  the  sword, 
The  last  resort,  when  efforts  else  had  failed ; 
Ill-fated  hour,  and  desperate  cause,  though  just ; 


SCENES   IN   THE    WEST. 

Hurling  defiance  'gainst  gigantic  power ; 
Who  tyranny  in  every  shape  condemned  ; 
While  Dodge  and  Doty,  Tallmadge,  prudent  men, 
Far  in  the  north,  and  Renolds,  Duncan,  Ford, 
Govern  successively  this  land  of  thine, 
Of  Nit-o-me-ma,  and  Omaint-si-ar-nah ! 


299 


THE    END. 


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14  DAY  USE 

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